New Jerseyans Should Demand Open and Fair Impeachment Proceedings  

MADISON, NJ, November 1, 2019 –  In the ongoing impeachment proceedings, we want open and fair public hearings that the American people can judge for themselves.  Representatives Jeff Van Drew’s [D2] and Chris Smith’s [R4] NAY votes yesterday on HR 660 flies in the face of those ideals. We ask all fair-minded residents of the second and fourth congressional districts to consider if this action aligns with our patriotic values of being open, fair, and constitutional. 

OPEN: 

In the weeks leading up to yesterday’s vote or House Resolution 660, the six Committees held their proceedings in secret.  Although legal and followed established protocol and procedures — and comparable to a secret grand jury proceeding in criminal cases — Americans were left to form their own thoughts through the media’s interpretation and scant reporting.  HR 660 had key provisions that addressed these concerns.  Among other things, it allowed the transcripts of the secret depositions to be released publicly.   

FAIR: 

The resolution specifically put back into place what was there during the Clinton and Nixon impeachments, that was subsequently and materially changed by the Republican majority during the Obama administration:  this resolution provides “the right of the minority [GOP] to call witnesses and obtain documents.”  Both sides get opportunities to present their case. 

CONSTITUTIONAL: 

Our Constitution is clear: the President may not use the power of his office to pressure a foreign government for his personal or political gain.  In our statement backing these proceedings, we called on every member of Congress put national security before party loyalty. Our Representatives have sworn to serve, protect, and defend the United States of America, its Constitution, and its laws. They must take this oath seriously and stand up to defend our nation. 

[Text Wrapping Break]In today’s hyper-partisan atmosphere, we ask all fair-minded residents of NJ 2 and NJ 4 to view the upcoming public Impeachment Inquiry not through partisan “red or blue” lens:  view it through “red, white, and blue” lens.  With every election, no matter how foregone a conclusion it may have been in the past, we must vote our values.  Look past the party label and vote for those who will defend our country from all foreign and domestic threats.  Yesterday’s vote is done.  Moving forward, please support candidates and legislation that are fair, open, and constitutional.  The American people should be able to judge for ourselves.  Any candidate or elected official who votes against those patriotic values should not earn your vote. 

About Action Together New Jersey 

ATNJ works to serve the public by educating the electorate, advocating human rights, promoting justice, equality, and progressive ideals to secure a more inclusive, fair and equitable future for New Jersey and the nation. For more information, visit www.ATNJ.org.  

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