“The government both in the executive and the legislative branches must carry out in good faith the platforms upon which the party was entrusted with power. But the government is that of the whole people; the party is the instrument through which policies are determined and men chosen to bring them into being. The animosities of elections should have no place in our government, for government must concern itself alone with the common weal.”

When George Washington spoke those words, he was warning of the dangers of putting politics over policy making and political parties over the American people.  It is no secret that while running for office a candidate must ingratiate him or herself to the voters of a particular party, but as President Washington said, “the animosities of elections should have no place in our government…”

This week, Speaker Nancy Pelosi fell victim to political partisanship and fake outrage. She abandoned any sense of logic or duty, instead giving in to the loudest voices on the left. Speaker Pelosi’s impeachment announcement created a media spectacle in which she talked the talk, without walking the walk. While her nationally televised speech gave the appearance of officiality, it was simply a political stunt. A formal impeachment inquiry must be authorized through a vote on the House floor, which the Speaker has refused to do.  Until the House does vote, these partisan antics simply serve to divide the American people at the behest of the far-left dead set on taking down the President, no matter what.

House Democrats consistently claim the American people support or even demand impeachment. However, if they ever left the swamp or listened to anyone outside of the most liberal circles of their base, they would realize their actions are only supported by a small portion of Americans. According to a recent poll, only 36 percent of registered voters believe Congress should begin impeachment proceedings. But that small percentage also represents the loudest and most politically-involved of the far left that controls today’s Democrat Party.  

Not only are my colleagues discounting the American people’s opinions, but they are also disregarding the foundations of the American justice system. Speaker Pelosi announced her intention to move forward with an impeachment inquiry without even seeing the transcript of President Trump’s call or seeing the whistleblower’s account. Jumping to conclusions on the basis of hearsay and a partisan narrative is a dangerous path in direct opposition of many of our nation’s founding principles. For days before the release of the transcript of President Trump’s call with the Ukrainian President, national news networks were drooling over the allegedly earthshattering transcript that would bring down the Presidency. Upon review of the transcript, it is clear the “quid pro quo” we heard so much about was not there. The alleged blatant intimidation was also nowhere to be found.

Once again, my colleagues across the aisle are grasping at straws in an attempt to defend their agenda of impeachment. This partisan show simply serves to distract the American public from the Democrats’ continued failure to legislate. We have a lot of issues that need to be addressed. Our economy is experiencing record success, and we need to make sure it continues on the right track for the continued prosperity of Americans and businesses across the nation. We cannot pack up and stop working for our constituents simply to satisfy a political base.

Most of grew up starting the school day with the Pledge of Allegiance – an acknowledgement that despite our differences we are all Americans. I urge my fellow representatives to lead by example and act in accordance with the words we all learned as children. We are one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Even those we don’t agree with.