QUICK ACTION:
The public phase of the impeachment inquiry is underway. Find out who’s testifying, how to tune in and learn more, and give important feedback to your reps.
THE ISSUE
President Trump is facing impeachment because an investigation sparked by a whistleblower complaint revealed that Trump orchestrated a shadow diplomatic effort to pressure a foreign government to mount an attack against his political rival, and then worked to cover up the evidence and obstruct the ensuing investigation.
The inquiry now enters its public phase with two weeks of open testimony beginning on Wednesday November 13. Hearings will be broadcast live on NPR and televised on virtually every news outlet, including C-SPAN, and streaming via the House Intelligence Committee’s live feed. Tune in, learn more, and give feedback to your reps!
WATCH THE PUBLIC HEARINGS (stream it live HERE)
- Wednesday 11/13, 10AM: US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs George Kent. Watch the hearing HERE. Read a roundup of the hearing’s key moments HERE.
- Friday 11/15, 9AM: Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.
Tuesday 11/19, 9AM: Vice President Pence’s Special Advisor for Europe and Russia Jennifer Williams and National Security Council Director for European Affairs Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman.
Tuesday 11/19, 2:30PM: Former U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker and National Security Council Director for Europe and Russia Tim Morrison.
Wednesday 11/20, 9AM: U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland.
Wednesday 11/20, 2:30PM: Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russian, Ukrainian, and Eurasian Affairs Laura Cooper and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale.
Thursday 11/21, 9AM: Former National Security Council Director for Europe and Russia Fiona Hill.
READ THE TRANSCRIPTS (AND FIND KEY EXCERPTS)
The House Intelligence Committee has released the complete transcripts of most of the witnesses who testified in closed-door sessions. The transcripts, as well as key excerpts, “who’s who” info, and “big picture” take-aways can be found HERE.
PROCESS THE INFORMATION
There are many excellent resources for impeachment analysis available. We’re particularly fond of one created by Vox.
TELL YOUR REPS WHAT YOU THINK
With each new piece of info, you’ll have a better picture of what happened, what it all means, and what you think should be done about it. Your reps are watching along with you, and need constituent feedback with each new step of the process.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
From Intelligence to Judiciary. Following the conclusion of the inquiry, the House Intelligence Committee will present a report to the House Judiciary Committee, where articles of impeachment are traditionally drafted.
From Judiciary to House Floor. If the Judiciary Committee determines that impeachment is warranted, they will draft the articles and vote to move the issue to the House floor. If a simple majority of House members vote to impeach the president, the Senate must hold a trial.
From House to Senate. If the House votes to impeach the President, the case then moves to the Senate for a trial. In this political – not criminal – trial, the House appoints “impeachment managers” to serve as the prosecution. Trump’s lawyers serve as the defense, and Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts presides. At the end, the Senate will vote to convict or acquit on each article of impeachment. If two thirds of the Senate (that’s 67 senators, including 20 Republicans) vote to convict on any of the articles, the President is removed from office.
If you’re in Maine, find your representatives’ contact info HERE.
Elsewhere, find info HERE.
Originally posted on Suit Up Maine. Re-posted with permission.
