Friend,

It’s been a long few days. But with the impeachment trial fully underway in the Senate, I felt it was important to write to you and share some of my thoughts during this solemn and critical time for our country.

I’ve been awestruck by the sense of purpose and history unfolding here. It’s a moment that demands country be put ahead of personal interest and above party. And yet, we’ve seen Mitch McConnell do the exact opposite. Every step of the way, he’s tried to turn this into a sham trial and block the evidence until after it’s all over. Why? Because he’s taking his cues directly from the White House, effectively allowing President Trump to dictate the rules of his own trial. And evidently President Trump feels there are facts and evidence he needs to hide.

I believe that the American people both need and deserve to know the truth about how President Trump has abused his power, and an overwhelming majority of the country agrees. They’ve made it clear that we need to hear the evidence. We need to follow the facts. And we need to continue uncovering the full extent of this President’s corrupt abuse of power to serve his own personal interest.

It’s been extremely disheartening that many of my colleagues have not upheld the will of the people on this matter. I believe they’re going to be haunted by history and by the voters. They are now on record as having voted against the necessary witnesses and documents that would make this a full, fair, and open trial. There’s still time for them to step to the right side of history, and I hope that they do. But to be blunt, I’ll believe it when I see it.

This process is far from over, and there are still big and important fights ahead of us to secure justice on behalf of the American people. I promise to rise to meet that challenge – and to keep you updated along the way.

Thanks so much for reading,

Dick