Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement today regarding his support of opening an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump’s conduct:

“I take my oath of office, including my oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, very seriously. I have been reluctant to use the tool of impeachment, and have always viewed impeachment as a tool of last resort. But the President’s actions have taken us to a moment where I believe Congress must open an impeachment inquiry to defend the rule of law.

“I don’t come to this conclusion lightly. But we are at this moment because the President is taking us there. The Special Counsel’s report uncovered serious crimes, including that the President engaged in obstruction of justice in at least 10 instances. The President and his Administration have illegally blocked and ignored congressional oversight efforts. And the President’s recent comments welcoming and encouraging foreign interference in our elections were absolutely chilling. The President’s statements are not only unpatriotic, they are illegal.

“An impeachment inquiry is about protecting the rule of law and defending the U.S. Constitution, not punishing the President for his misdeeds. I believe opening an impeachment inquiry will focus the efforts of Congress to get answers about the President’s conduct. And while I do not prejudge the outcome of any inquiry, and understand it may not necessarily lead to impeachment, I have come to the conclusion that we have no other choice. The American people deserve answers and the absolute truth.”

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