Tim Morrison, an outgoing top Russia expert on the White House National Security Council (NSC), testified before the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE.

Morrison delivered a brief opening statement in which he told lawmakers he would not question the character or integrity of his former colleagues on the NSC, even as the White House and its allies used his comments against Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman Alexander VindmanImpeachment witness Alexander Vindman calls Trump Putin's 'useful idiot' The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Strzok: Trump behaving like an authoritarian MORE earlier in the day.

He also urged Congress not to allow impeachment proceedings to overshadow the conflict playing out in Ukraine, which he warned could embolden Russia.

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“Every day that the focus of discussion involving Ukraine is centered on these proceedings instead of those matters is a day when we are not focused on the interests Ukraine, the United States and Western-style liberalism share,” he said.

Read Morrison's full opening statement below:

Tim Morrison Opening Statement Nov 19 by M Mali on Scribd