Hello, Friends
After last week, you might have thought that things couldn’t get any more bizarre
but here we are. In case you missed last week’s events, you can watch a recap below:
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This Wednesday, I filed an ethics complaint against House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff for distorting President Trump’s phone call with Ukranian President Zelensky, for lying to the public about “Russian Collusion,” and for blocking Members of Congress from attending depositions. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has given an unprecedented amount of power to Chairman Schiff something I find deeply troubling. Chairman Schiff has abused his authority, and seems to believe that the rules of the House of Representatives do not apply to him:
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Impeachment Vote
On Thursday, the Democrats brought a resolution to the floor outlining procedures for their ‘impeachment inquiry.’ Quite recently, Speaker Pelosi dismissed our calls for transparency as “talking points,” so for her to hold a vote on this topic shows that my colleagues and I have been effective. Impeachment proceedings should not be hidden from Members of Congress or the American people!
The resolution (which you can read here) pays lip service to transparency, but, sadly, does not ensure transparency in any meaningful way. Instead, it codifies that the Schiff-led inquest will primarily be conducted by the House Intelligence Committee, rather than the House Judiciary Committee (which has historically exercised jurisdiction over impeachments).
In previous impeachment proceedings, the Minority party had the authority to issue subpoenas and call witnesses to testify. Under the ‘new rules,’ the Minority can still issue subpoenas and call witnesses
but only with approval from Mr. Schiff making it clear that this is political theater.
Unfortunately, though unsurprisingly, the House voted to adopt the resolution. All Republicans voted in opposition, and two Democrats joined us. This is the first time that an impeachment authorization resolution has passed on party lines. (Sad!)
I will keep fighting for transparency and fairness, and know that the American people will not be fooled by theatrics they see this for what it is, and it is a sham.
On the House Floor
Although the impeachment authorization was certainly the most widely-reported story of the week, the House also voted on several important pieces of legislation. One such bill was the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act, which I was proud to have cosponsored, and which passed with broad, bipartisan support. This legislation allows the Department of Justice to work with states, so they can develop veterans’ courts, for veterans who have been accused of (nonviolent) crimes. I’m glad that the House could come together to support our veterans, and hope that the bill will pass the Senate quickly.
Congressional App Challenge
Each year, one of my honors is to host the Congressional App Challenge. It’s an amazing time to see what our students are capable of. The event is approaching quickly if you’re interested, be sure to sign up! Register here, or by clicking on the flyer below:
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
Breitbart News October 29, 2019
Gaetz: ‘Donald Trump Is Innocent, And the Deep State Is Guilty’
Monday on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity,” Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) discussed allegations of FISA abuse during the 2016 presidential election and his expectations of the forthcoming investigation.
The Hill October 28, 2019
Top Republicans say impeachment resolution is too little too late
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) a member of the House Judiciary Committee who led a group of Republicans to storm the sensitive compartmented information facility last week in protest of the closed-door hearings said he believes the decision to bring a measure to the floor is a direct result of Republicans’ calls to open up the process.
NW Florida Daily News October 30, 2019
Gaetz Files Ethics Complaint in Trump Impeachment Inquiry
“Gaetz cites a House rule reading, in part, that under most circumstances, a congressman ‘may not be excluded from non-participatory attendance at a hearing of a committee or subcommittee.’”
The BL October 29, 2019
Top Republicans discuss impeachment resolution, say it ‘proves everything we were saying was correct’
“Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is a member of the House Judiciary Committee; he led the Republicans to storm the secret meetings last week. He believes the pressure they have applied is the reason Democrats have decided to bring a resolution to the floor.”
WHAT WE’RE READING
John Solomon Reports October 31, 2019
Debunking some of the Ukraine scandal myths about Biden and election interference
American Greatness October 31, 2019
The Impeachment Schiff Show
Fast Company October 24, 2019
Los Angeles is testing ‘plastic asphalt’ that makes it possible to recycle roads
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