I've supported impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump for months – since reading the Mueller Report's detailed recap of his many attempts to obstruct a federal investigation.

Now, as if that wasn't enough, he's trying to cover up his repeated efforts to force Ukraine to influence our election. The impeachment inquiry is necessary.

I take no joy in this. All Americans –­ regardless of party or race or sexual orientation or religion or gender or age – are better off when the President of the United States isn't suspected of breaking the law, when Congress can instead focus on enacting meaningful policy.

But it appears that the President did break the law – several laws, most likely – and Congress must hold him accountable.

This isn't about what's popular. It's not about pandering to one political base or frustrating another. It's not about what's convenient. It's not about winning elections.

It's about integrity and responsibility. It's about keeping our word and protecting our future. It's about doing what's right.

We can't preserve our principles by abandoning them when they're under attack or when political winds shift.

In other words: if Donald Trump thinks the presidency puts him out of reach of the law, we must be willing to prove him wrong. We must have the courage to prove that in the United States, no one is above the law.

It won't be easy, but standing together, we will restore our democracy, defeat Donald Trump, and continue building a progressive future for our country.

As always, I'm proud to fight by your side,

Joe