Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today released this statement on his pending vote on the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump:

“Later this week I will vote in the full U.S. House of Representatives to impeach President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The articles of impeachment now before the House charge that President Trump “abused the powers of the Presidency by ignoring and injuring national security and other vital interests to obtain an improper personal political benefit [and] betrayed the Nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting democratic elections”, and further “directed the unprecedented, categorical and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives pursuant to its ‘sole power of impeachment’.”

The articles conclude that in doing so the President “has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and subversive of constitutional government”, warranting impeachment by the House and trial and removal from office by the U.S. Senate.

I agree.

In reaching my conclusion, I have focused on the oath I took again this January to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” I believe my oath requires me not only to place our Constitution above all other interests, but to act carefully, deliberately and inclusively especially in a decision of such lasting import to our country.

I believe I have done so. I have reviewed our Constitution, the debates and intent of our Constitution’s original framers, the extensive reports of the committees of jurisdiction and other materials. I have reached out and listened to my constituents every way I can. I have especially tried to understand the views of my fellow citizens who do not agree with impeachment.

Reasonable and good Americans who care deeply for our Constitution and country do disagree. All deserve consideration and respect. My own obligation now is to make the decision, as a member of a separate, independent and co-equal branch of government with my own obligations to our Constitution and country.

At the end of the day, I believe that our President did abuse his power by attempting to manipulate our country’s foreign policy for his own personal political gain, did obstruct the constitutional duties of Congress, and does warrant impeachment for his actions. I further believe that for Congress to sanction his actions by turning away from our own constitutional role and duty would itself betray our Constitution and have the most serious consequences to our country and system of government both today and for generations.

Impeachment is not a political remedy, not a criminal remedy, but a constitutional remedy. That we have come to this point for only the third time in our incredible history is nothing to celebrate. I sincerely hope that, whatever the outcome, we will accept this sad time for our country as a wakeup call for that better way forward we all want and deserve.”