Speaking on the House floor Tuesday, Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) encouraged fellow lawmakers to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump based on recent allegations from a whistleblower regarding his private conversations with the Ukrainian president.

“I believe, I truly believe the time to begin impeachment proceedings against this president has come,” said Rep. Lewis. “To delay or to do otherwise would betray the foundation of our democracy.”

….You will see it was a very friendly and totally appropriate call. No pressure and, unlike Joe Biden and his son, NO quid pro quo! This is nothing more than a continuation of the Greatest and most Destructive Witch Hunt of all time! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2019

Democratic lawmakers joined Rep. Lewis in a meeting Tuesday to discuss opening an investigation into Trump over a whistleblower complaint alleging he discussed payment to the Ukrainian government to blackmail 2020 Presidential-hopeful Joe Biden over his son, Hunter Biden’s corrupt ties to Ukraine.

President Trump denies any wrongdoing and will authorize the release of the call’s transcript tomorrow, according to his later tweet.

JUST IN: Rep. John Lewis on the House floor: “I believe, I truly believe, the time to begin impeachment proceedings against this president has come. To delay or to do otherwise would betray the foundation of our democracy." https://t.co/97JW3J1SEu pic.twitter.com/3Z3JDz1mGg — Dan Linden (@DanLinden) September 24, 2019

A group of seven of these Democrats penned an op-ed for the Washington Post ahead of the meeting. All had careers in the military, national security, and intelligence community before taking the oath of office. They argued that it is within the scope of Congress to look into the whistleblower claim. Further, if the allegations are true, they believe impeachment is the only appropriate action.

“We have devoted our lives to the service and security of our country, and throughout our careers, we have sworn oaths to defend the Constitution of the United States many times over,” said the lawmakers, “Now, we join as a unified group to uphold that oath as we enter uncharted waters and face unprecedented allegations against President Trump.”

Related:

Whistleblower Hysteria: Why Democrats Don’t Want To Investigate Joe Biden And Son.

Adam Schiff: We Need to Take Defensive Steps Against This President