The facts matter

Dear Friend,

If you're watching the impeachment trial at home and you're a little bit confused, you're probably not alone. If you're wondering why this looks different from any trial you've ever seen, whether it's a made for TV trial or your own experience in a courtroom, it's because this doesn't look like any other trial. Before we go any further, I wanted to take a moment to let you know what I've seen so far. I hope you can take a moment to watch and share my video update below.

VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich updates constituents on the Senate impeachment trial, January 22, 2020.

Last week, I took an oath to solemnly do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws. I strongly believe that every single senator needs to grapple with the gravity of this moment and take our constitutional duty as jurors seriously. A fair and impartial trial requires witnesses and documentary evidence. We need to hear from all relevant witnesses and see all relevant evidence as we consider the severity of the president's misconduct and weigh the articles of impeachment the House has presented us.

Unfortunately, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans spent the entire opening day of this trial preventing the Senate and the American people from viewing documentary evidence or hearing from witnesses. They have shut down every opportunity for witnesses and documents. They are creating an environment that clearly serves as a cover-up of the president's actions.

I am utterly disappointed in where this is going because I think it is an obvious attempt to shield all of us from the facts. The American people expect us to search for the whole truth as we seek to do impartial justice. I want you to know that I will continue to do everything in my power to get to the facts and the full truth.

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH