[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 166 (Monday, October 21, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INVESTIGATING PRESIDENT TRUMP AND UKRAINE
(Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, three of the House
committees investigating President Trump's dealings with Ukraine
subpoenaed administration officials. They seek answers as to why
President Trump would purposely withhold critical military assistance
from Ukraine.
Such a request is well within the committee's constitutional
legislative powers. It is also central to establishing whether
President Trump knowingly withheld military assistance to coerce
Ukrainian Government officials into creating a false narrative on his
political rival, Vice President Joe Biden.
On October 15, the committees received a letter from the Vice
President, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of
Defense rejecting the House subpoena. One letter even indicated the
administration was ``unable to comply with your request for documents
at this time.''
Mr. Speaker, this is unconscionable. As co-chair of the bipartisan
Congressional Ukraine Caucus and a senior member on the House Defense
Appropriations Subcommittee, I am greatly disheartened that U.S.-
Ukraine relations could be put at risk just to advance and cover up
President Trump's malfeasance.
America deserves transparency and truth, and the Trump administration
must work with Congress or face constitutional justice.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Levin of Michigan). Members are reminded
to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President.
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