Dear John,

Today is a historic day, as the Senate trial begins on the article of impeachment that a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives passed last month in response to former President Trump’s role in inciting an insurrection against our country. I know that many Oregonians will be tuning in to watch, and I want to share my thoughts about this trial with you -- thoughts based on what millions of people all around the world saw unfold, and what I experienced firsthand, on January 6. 

The violent attack on Congress and the Vice President at the United States Capitol resulted in the deaths of five Americans including the murder of a police officer, injured scores more, and put hundreds of lives at risk. The goal was to burn the ballots of millions of Americans and overturn our presidential election to seize power for Donald Trump in defiance of the expressed will of the voters. It was a violent attack on our freedoms, our democracy, our laws, and our Constitution.

While Donald Trump is no longer occupying the Oval Office, we must demand accountability for his “stolen election” conspiracy, lies, propaganda, and incitement of the violent insurrection targeting Congress, the Vice President, and the Capitol. Every senator must consider the facts of the disturbing events that each of us experienced firsthand, consider what is best for the future of this country, and ensure that his behavior is never normalized.

The healing of our nation and the future of our democracy depend on it.

All my best,
Jeff