Video: Why I Support Impeachment
I hear a lot from voters on the campaign trail who fear that impeaching Donald Trump is too divisive, or that it somehow distracts Congress from its core functions. I understand these objections, but I think they’re wrong. I explained why in Barrington.
I go back to the Watergate era. During that impeachment, Congress was incredibly productive. Here’s what they were able to accomplish while exercising oversight over President Nixon and his presidential administration:
Campaign Finance Reform: The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) amendments of 1974 were passed, creating the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to regulate campaign finance and prevent corruption.
Government Transparency: Congress strengthened the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (1974) to ease public access to government records and passed the Government in the Sunshine Act (1976), requiring federal agencies to hold meetings in public.
Ethics and Accountability: The Ethics in Government Act (1978) was passed, requiring financial disclosures from executive and judicial officials and establishing the Office of Government Ethics.
Privacy Protections: The Privacy Act of 1974 was enacted to restrict how federal agencies collect and share personal data, directly responding to Nixon's misuse of the IRS and FBI.
Oversight Reform: Congress established permanent Intelligence Committees in the House and Senate to oversee intelligence agencies.
Limiting Executive Power: Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in 1978 and amended the War Powers Resolution to restrict the president's ability to engage in military action without congressional approval.
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act: Set minimum standards for most voluntarily established retirement and health plans in private industry to provide protection for individuals in these plans.
The Endangered Species Act: Established protections for fish, wildlife, and plants that are listed as threatened or endangered and implemented the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
Providing oversight and passing legislation are the core functions of Congress. That’s why I support impeachment. It’s Congress’s job.
