Thank you for contacting me regarding the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

The process of impeachment requires two distinct proceedings carried out by the separate chambers of Congress as mandated by the Constitution.  First, the House of Representatives determines whether to impeach an individual by approving the Articles of Impeachment.  If a simple majority of the House passes the Articles of Impeachment, the matter is then presented to the Senate to conduct an impeachment trial.  A conviction on the impeachment requires the support of a two-thirds majority of the Senate.

Impeachment is not a proceeding to overturn the results of an election.  It is a means of ensuring that law and order is followed by the highest powers in our country.  In addition to the constitutional grounds of treason and high crimes, prior impeachments by the Congress have  recognized three types of conduct that could constitute grounds for impeachment:

(1) improperly exceeding or abusing the powers of the office;
(2) behavior incompatible with the function and purpose of the office; and
(3) misusing the office for an improper purpose or for personal gain.

I will remain vigilant and will fight against policies and agendas that undermine the founding principles of our government or diminish the fundamental rights that define who we are as a nation.  If the House of Representatives pass Articles of Impeachment, I will be ready to act according to the responsibilities of the Senate mandated by the Constitution.   Mahalo again for contacting me.

Sincerely,

BRIAN SCHATZ
U.S. Senator