Merkley, Wyden welcome House impeachment inquiry

(Update: Adding Wyden comment in tweet)

Sen. Jeff Merkley, and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released supportive statements after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the U.S. House of Representatives will be forming a committee to begin impeachment proceedings against President Trump:

First, Merkley’s statement:

” Beginning impeachment proceedings is not an action to be taken lightly. Unfortunately, the gravity and extent of President Trump’s corrupt actions makes it absolutely clear that Congress must do so. President Trump has repeatedly and flagrantly violated his oath of office and disgraced the office of the presidency. Holding foreign aid hostage until a foreign leader agrees to smear a political opponent is textbook corruption, plain and simple.

” It is time for Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, to fulfill its constitutional role and hold the president accountable. Now that the House is moving forward with impeachment proceedings, I urge it to move swiftly to complete its investigation and to bring these proceedings to the floor of the House for a vote. ”

Later, in a tweet, Wyden said, ” What the House of Representatives did by opening an impeachment inquiry is essential to protecting the well-being of the country. ”