Friend, yesterday I voted to impeach Donald Trump for inciting an insurrection against the United States Congress.

I did so as part of a bipartisan majority in the House, and I hope the Senate will convict Trump so that he is barred from ever holding office again.

The facts are clear: Donald Trump fanned the flames of hatred and violence in a desperate attempt to hold on to power. He failed to sincerely denounce the terror attack on our Capitol. And a week later, he remains unapologetic and continues to make threats.

Many of my Republican colleagues have called for "unity" and claimed that impeachment will divide America. I will not be lectured about "division" from the 139 representatives who voted to overturn the results of the 2020 election even after the deadly events of last Wednesday.

There is no unity without accountability. There is no reconciliation without recognition of the destructive lies that were encouraged and amplified for far too long.

Yesterday's vote was about ensuring that truth prevails. It was about ensuring that mob rule cannot stop a democratically-elected government from serving the people. It was about showing that there are consequences when a President tramples on the Constitution, no matter what political timetable we are on.

Genuine healing from the trauma and damage of January 6 will be a long and arduous process. We must begin by taking the strongest possible stand against insurrection -- and that means impeaching and convicting Donald Trump.

I never expected that I'd be faced with two separate impeachment votes of the same President. But I took an oath to uphold the rule of law and protect our democracy. As long I am privileged to hold this office, I will continue to honor that oath -- no matter what threats or intimidation I face.

Yesterday, the House of Representatives made clear what side of history it's on. I am hopeful that in the day, weeks, and months ahead, we will begin to usher in a new chapter of history.

Thank you,

Jennifer