CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TO VOTE TO IMPEACH PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Morelle will vote to impeach President Donald Trump for his actions to incite a violent insurrection at the United States Capitol last week. In explanation of his vote, Rep. Morelle delivered remarks during last night's House Rules Committee meeting.

"Donald Trump's actions and rhetoric clearly demonstrate that he is unfit for the Presidency," said Rep. Morelle. "Last week we each took an oath to ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic,' and in doing so, to protect the American people from clear and present danger. That danger confronts us now—a dark, insidious, grave danger that threatens the foundation and the people of this grand republic. To thwart this very real hazard, President Trump must be removed from office using any means afforded to us by the Constitution."

Video of Rep. Morelle's remarks can be found here and a full transcript is provided below. The House of Representatives is set to vote on legislation to impeach Donald Trump later today.

Transcript of remarks, as prepared:

"I thank my colleague Mr. Raskin, who has done so much to serve this country, even during a time of tremendous personal pain and loss, for introducing this resolution. And I thank you, Mr. Chairman for your steadfast leadership today and every day.

"Mr. Chairman, the members of this committee find ourselves yet again with a somber obligation before us. For the first time in the history of our republic, we face the decision to impeach a sitting President for the second time. While I am heartbroken for our nation that it has come to this, we have a Constitutional duty to hold the president accountable for his actions.

"The events of the past week remain shocking, emotional, and painful for us as individuals and as a nation. The violent attack on January 6 led to the deaths of five Americans and the desecration of a building that is the very symbol of our democracy—a sacred space that represents the rule of law, the voice of the people, and the fundamental values we hold dear. Most shocking of all, it was incited by Donald Trump himself, to undermine and disrupt the counting of votes that will bring to a close his presidency.

"Donald Trump's actions and rhetoric clearly demonstrate that he is unfit for the Presidency. Last week we each took an oath to "preserve, protect and defend the "Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic," and in doing so, to protect the American people from clear and present danger. That danger confronts us now. A dark, insidious, grave danger that threatens the foundation and the people of this grand republic. To thwart this very real hazard President Trump must be removed from office using any means afforded to us by the Constitution.

"There can be no question that a President who not only abdicates his responsibility to protect his country but instead incites violence against it; who not only refuses to forcefully condemn those who seek to overthrow our government but actively encourages them; who time and time again calls upon our nation's darkest demons instead of summoning our better angels—there can be no question that surely such a President is exactly the type of unchecked executive that our Founders had in mind when they entrusted the House of Representatives with the power of impeachment.

"‘Our president wants us here,' the rioters and insurrectionists said as they violently sought to take over the seat of our government. They firmly believed, and he led them to believe that they were fighting for the President. In fact, he told them directly, minutes before the attack on the Capitol, ‘After this, we're going to walk down, and I'll be there with you.' And they believed that because they have repeatedly been lied to and egged on—by a leader who care more about the preservation of his power and office than our national interests. The President directed them, ‘you have to show strength. You have to be strong.' After the mob attacked Capitol Police officers, using the American flag as a weapon, President Trump said, ‘we love you, you're very special.'

"In any other period, we would find the President's behavior outside the bounds of moral and decent behavior. But we have become almost numb to it. It has, for some, become normalized. But let's acknowledge it, the rhetoric that led to this violence did not begin recently—nor is it poised to end. The President has continually reveled in the support he receives from the worst factions of America who spout hatred and he has repeatedly refused to condemn the violence of neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and anti-democratic traitors. We teach our children that words matter, but it is a lesson that gets harder and harder to teach when time and time again it is willfully defied by the leader of the highest office in the land.

"So, let's come together to make it clear to our children, our grandchildren, and to the generations to follow, that Donald Trump's behavior is antithetical to American law, American democracy, and American values. We must make it clear to this President, and to all future presidents that we cannot and will not tolerate actions that endanger in the words of Jefferson, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" for all Americans.

"And through all of this, let's ensure one thing remains clear to our country and to those watching around the globe: our democracy is strong. It may bend, but it will not break.

"As I close, I'm reminded that for those of us entrusted with the safety and security of our nation ‘a good conscience,' President Kennedy wisely observed is, ‘our only sure reward' and history will be ‘the final judge of our deeds.' My friends, the time of good conscience is now. Let's act in defense of our nation, support this resolution, and earn the approving final judgment of history.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman."

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