Gottheimer: Trump Allegations Are 'National Security' Issue

GLEN ROCK, NJ - Rep. Josh Gottheimer has backed the formal impeachment inquiry into President Trump, saying the allegations that have surfaced are a national security issue and must be investigated.

Gottheimer, a Democrat representing New Jersey's 5th Congressional District, issued a statement this week regarding the U.S. House of Representative's inquiry.

“As your Representative, I believe it is my utmost responsibility to both fight for my constituents and protect the Constitution. Without it, and the rule of law, our democracy cannot continue to thrive, as it has since our founding,” Gottheimer said.

“The serious allegations that have surfaced about communication between President Trump and the Ukrainian President put our national security at risk and merit an immediate inquiry. We must let the facts guide our work. Given the gravity of this moment, I will base my final judgment on whether impeachment is warranted on the information garnered through this inquiry, not on hearsay, social media, or conflicting news accounts. I’d urge the House Republicans to do the same,” he said.

On Tuesday, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced Congress is launching a formal impeachment inquiry, CNN reported.

Trump is accused of offering $250 million in stalled military aid to the Ukrainian president under the condition that the country launches a probe into Biden and his family. Trump has denied the accusation, The Washington Post reported.

Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. issued a statement Wednesday regarding the inquiry.

Pascrell Jr., a Democrat representing New Jersey's ninth District, said that Trump's "crimes and obstruction of justice" have not abated, but accelerated because Trump has not been constrained.