Representative John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after voting against both of the Democrats’ articles of impeachment.

“It is a fundamental ideal of our republic that every American receives justice under the law. As Members of Congress, we are required to uphold that ideal and as a former judge, I was tasked with the same responsibility. I find that this entire impeachment process has lacked impartiality, respect for the Constitution and justice. When I was on the bench, I instructed every jury the same way. I told them, “what someone heard from another source other than what they directly observed is not evidence.” The evidence presented by the House Majority in this case was hearsay. In fact, the most substantial direct evidence is the transcript of the President’s telephone call, which did not prove an impeachable offense.

“While the Democrats try to rewrite their history, the truth is that the impeachment of President Trump began the day he was inaugurated. In fact, 17 of the 24 Democratic members on the House Judiciary Committee voted to impeach President Trump well before the phone call with the Ukraine President even occurred. The last month of impeachment hearings have been political theatre designed to present hearsay and rumors as facts. Make no mistake, today’s vote isn’t about justice, or upholding the rule of law, this is politics. 

“The Constitution is clear — treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors are impeachable offenses. The evidence presented does not meet those standards required by the supreme law of the land. Impeachment is one of the most serious acts that Congress will undertake, it should not be taken lightly or used to strong-arm those you disagree with politically. It’s irresponsible that the Democrats have weaponized the impeachment process to appease their base, and their behavior over the last three years is the very behavior the Founding Fathers warned us about. Fortunately, I have no doubt that the American people recognize Democrats’ antics, and they will not easily forget. Today is truly a sad day for justice. ”