Congressman Pappas Statement on the Opening of an Impeachment Inquiry

MANCHESTER, NH - Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement in response to the announcement today of the opening of an impeachment inquiry:

"This summer, after carefully reviewing Special Counsel Mueller's report and his testimony to Congress, I said it was imperative that Congress continue its oversight work by opening a formal impeachment inquiry. Recent allegations that the President and his Administration withheld military aid from the Ukraine, asked a foreign government to interfere in our presidential election, and blocked a whistleblower complaint about that effort underscore many times over the need for continued oversight.

The President has openly admitted he talked to the leader of the Ukraine as part of an effort to thwart a political rival in the upcoming election. This is chilling news that should spur a bipartisan response to uphold the rule of law.

As the Inspector General has stated, we are dealing with a national security matter of 'urgent concern.' Opening an inquiry will allow Congress to put all the facts on the table so we can proceed expeditiously to protect national security and our democracy. While this process develops, I will maintain my focus on the many concerns of the people of New Hampshire and how we can work together in Congress to address them."