John,

Today, the United States Senate will begin the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. The occasion is solemn, and the charges are serious. We have an obligation to pursue the truth above all else.

Last week, my colleagues in the Senate and I took an oath, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws. I promise you, I take that oath very seriously. As the Senate embarks on its search for the truth, I urge my colleagues to honor their oaths and push for a fair trial.

We all know that, in trials, witnesses are called and evidence is presented. In order for this trial in the Senate to be fair, we need all the relevant information that is available.

I first swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States when I became a Navy ROTC midshipman at Ohio State when I was 17 years old. I’ve taken that same oath many times since and I am sure of this:

The oaths we take is to the Constitution of the United States. Period. It is not to a political party and it is not to a president.

The American people deserve to have their elected officials act with the utmost seriousness and impartiality during this critical moment in our history.

As you begin to watch the trial, I am interested in hearing from you about what you would like to see from the Senate.

Thank you,

Tom