Statement by Representative Kilmer on Today’s Impeachment Votes in the U.S. Senate
“I didn’t come to Congress to pursue impeachment. Rather, as the folks I represent know, my focus has been on trying to create more economic opportunity in our region and pushing to have a government that works better - period. Having said that, the very first thing I do as your representative is raise my right hand and swear an oath to uphold the Constitution. That’s an oath I take seriously, and it remains my guiding principle. And it was with that oath in mind that I voted in December in support of articles of impeachment based on evidence brought to light in the course of the impeachment inquiry that showed that the President abused the power of his office and obstructed Congress in its investigation to evaluate that abuse.
Like most Americans, I had hoped that the Senate would hold a fair trial with the opportunity to hear from witnesses. That didn’t happen. But Democrats and Republicans have now acknowledged that President clearly used his office to pressure Ukraine to dig up dirt on his political rivals - and that he withheld military aid to increase the pressure.
I still believe that no one is above the law. Just as reforms were made following Watergate, Congress should look at ways to improve the system so that it is more transparent, more accountable, and more ethical. I will keep pushing to make sure that elected officials work for the public interest - not their own gain.”