Evans: Trump Has Forced House’s Hand on Impeachment
Philadelphia congressman has supported impeaching Trump since 2017
WASHINGTON (Sept. 24, 2019) – Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) welcomed the growing support for opening a formal impeachment inquiry of President Trump.
"Starting a formal impeachment inquiry is necessary because we have to stop the damage Trump has been doing to our government, to our Constitution, to our democracy. Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson gave a good overview of this recently," Evans said.
"To add to Eugene Robinson's points, both President Truman and legendary Speaker Sam Rayburn used to say, ‘A jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one.' The work of rebuilding must start with cleansing the Oval Office.
"An allegation of trying to use the power of the presidency against another country, in the context of withholding funds that Congress approved, to create dirt on a political opponent – this is incredibly serious and must be investigated.
"Let's be clear: I have been for impeachment since 2017 – as more and more members have come to see, Trump's actions have forced our hand. It is our duty. A president must be held to a high standard. The soul of America is at stake.
"Impeachment is not a cause for celebration – it is too serious for anyone from either party to fall back on the usual party politics. No one should be above the law. The House, the Senate and the White House ALL have a duty to work for the citizens. It's not supposed to be the other way around.
"Beginning a formal impeachment investigation is about protecting the Constitution that was written and signed nearly 250 years ago in Philadelphia.
"The Democratic majority in the House can investigate AND legislate at the same time – we've already been doing both for over eight months now. We can address challenges such as infrastructure, health care, education, gun violence & poverty, regardless of who is in the Oval Office. The Senate can too."
Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia.