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Castor, Crist Issue Statements on Impeachment Inquiry Vote

Charlie Crist | Kathy Castor | Politics

Both U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor and Charlie Crist voted in favor of formalizing the impeachment inquiry into allegations of presidential abuse of power.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, and Charlie Crist, D-St. Petersburg, issued statements after Thursday’s (Oct. 31) vote to formalize an impeachment inquiry into allegations that President Donald Trump has abused the power of his office.

Castor’s statement:

“America’s national security is paramount. Today, I voted to support the impeachment inquiry into the abuse of power of President Trump and to determine the extent of his wrongdoing. The president has elevated himself above the law in his attempt to extort the newly-elected president of Ukraine to manufacture smears against an American political opponent. Trump put his personal political interests above America’s national security interests, and he must be held accountable. No one is above the law. The American people deserve to know the full story.

“Today’s vote establishes a fair procedure for hearings that are open to the American people, authorizes the disclosure of important documents, including deposition transcripts, and sets forth due process rights for the president and his counsel.

“Affirming the impeachment inquiry will eliminate any doubt as to whether the Trump Administration may withhold documents, prevent witness testimony, disregard duly authorized subpoenas, or continue obstructing the House of Representatives. Trump administration officials are doing the right thing by coming forward – and Trump is wrong to try to cover up and obstruct the investigation by blocking witnesses from appearing and smearing the character of dedicated public servants.

“The American people deserve to understand the depth and breadth of Trump’s ethical and criminal violations, so the House will continue working to uphold the rule of law by proceeding deliberately and following the facts wherever they may lead.

“While Congress moves forward with the bipartisan inquiry, I remain focused on working on the priorities of my Tampa neighbors, including the lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and boosting good-paying jobs.”

Crist’s statement:

“Testimony in recent weeks by senior Trump Administration officials has only heightened concerns that the president sought to leverage military aid to an ally under attack, in exchange for investigating a political opponent. A president putting personal political interest above our country’s national security interests is unacceptable. It rises to the level whereby impeachment must be considered. As the Founding Fathers designed, the House will continue to follow the facts where they lead as a co-equal branch of government. No one is above the law – not even the president. The American people deserve the truth, and we will uphold our Oath of Office to protect and defend the Constitution.”

Crist’s vote brought criticism from the National Republican Congressional Committee. NRCC spokesperson Camille Gallo said, “After decades in office, it’s not surprising Charlie Crist would abandon working for FL-13 to help his political party’s sham impeachment quest.”

Crist represents Florida’s 13th Congressional District, which includes south and mid-Pinellas County.

Castor represents Florida’s 14th Congressional District, which includes Tampa and a portion of Hillsborough County.

Photo shows Charlie Crist, left, and Kathy Castor.

Charlie Crist | Kathy Castor | Politics | Impeachment | Tampabay News | News Tampa

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