Friends, I have served our country most of my life and, although I did not run to impeach the President, I have always put our country first. The President has imperiled our national security, attempted to undermine our democratic elections, and has refused congressional subpoenas. To ignore this is to abdicate my duty.

This is a somber day and I have not come to this conclusion lightly.

This evening, the House of Representatives will vote on Articles of Impeachment against the President. I will be voting in favor of the Articles.

When I left home at 18 to enter the Naval Academy, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution -- it was the same oath I took when I entered Congress. I take this oath seriously because I have seen firsthand what happens when leaders put their own self-interest first and when the people have no voice in their government. I saw it when I was deployed in the Middle East, and again as a Russian policy officer working to promote democratic values in parts of the world that do not share our ideals.

A lifetime of public service has taught me that our democracy, our values, and our national security, are critical to our way of life and fundamental to who we are as Americans.

We must preserve the system of checks and balances designed by the founding fathers. We must protect against foreign interference in our elections and threats to our national security.

It’s been almost a year since I took my oath as a Member of Congress. I’m proud to serve the people of the 11th District of New Jersey and our country. I’ve committed to you that I’ll always put our country first and that solemn oath guides me today.

Thank you,

Mikie