Reschenthaler Slams Democrats’ Sham Impeachment During First Judiciary Hearing
Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) participated in the first Judiciary hearing in the House Democrats' sham impeachment inquiry. The Judiciary Committee is the sole House committee tasked with compiling Articles of Impeachment.
"Today's hearing once again shows House Democrats' flagrant disregard for the truth in their quest to overturn the will of the American people," said Reschenthaler. "Chairman Nadler brought in law professors in an attempt to legitimize this political theater and put a veneer over their partisan impeachment process, but the American people weren't fooled. Instead of passing USMCA, lowering prescription drug prices, and investing in our nation's infrastructure, we are wasting time and taxpayer dollars on this circus. The American people deserve better."
During the hearing, Reschenthaler pointed out that Speaker Pelosi told the Washington Post in May that she would not pursue impeachment unless the case was "compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan." Despite these comments, the Speaker has pushed ahead with an impeachment inquiry that lacks any evidence and is based solely on the thoughts, feelings, and conjectures of a few unelected, career bureaucrats. Even members of the Democratic Party realize this is a mistake - the only bipartisan vote has been the one opposing this inquiry.
Early in the day, Reschenthaler offered a motion to subpoena the whistleblower for a deposition in an executive session, which would allow him or her to maintain their anonymity. Chairman Nadler and House Democrats voted against the motion, preventing Members of Congress from learning the truth about the origins of the Ukrainian allegations.
Whistleblowers play a vital role in helping our government uncover waste, fraud, and abuse. They are rightfully afforded significant protections from retribution under the law precisely so they can appear publicly and testify without negative consequences. Given the unique circumstances, however, Reschenthaler's motion would have allowed for the whistleblower to keep their identity a secret.
Members of Congress have a right to hear from the whistleblower, particularly since Chairman Schiff was caught in a lie by claiming his committee had no contact with the whistleblower. In fact, his team worked directly with the whistleblower before their complaint was even filed.
"I had hoped that my colleagues across the aisle would want to hear all the facts before they undo the 2016 election," said Reschenthaler. "Sadly, that is not the case. What are Chairman Schiff, the Democrats, and the whistleblower hiding?"
A video of Reschenthaler's statement during the hearing can be found here.