Rep. Sean CastenVerified account

After reading, in full, the House Intelligence Report, House Judiciary Report, the Articles of Impeachment, and hearing from constituents, I have decided to take the solemn step to vote to impeach the President for abusing the powers of his office for his own personal gain.

My career as a scientist and businessman has taught me that facts must be the basis for any decision. Those facts have led me to this decision.

The facts are clear: President Trump withheld military aid to an ally, pressured a foreign government to interfere in our elections, and then systematically obstructed Congress’ ability to learn the truth of his actions.

Impeaching the President was not a step I foresaw when I began my service as a Representative. But that service started with an oath to protect and defend our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

The Constitution explicitly includes impeachment as a final check against those who would wield executive power in the services of ‘treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors’.

When such excesses occur, it is not a choice to impeach; it is an obligation that flows from our oath of office. Donald Trump’s failure to obey his oath is precisely what compels us to obey ours.