Tom Torres, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, tom.torres@sierraclub.org
Cindy Carr, Sierra Club, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
PITTSBURGH --Today, the House voted to send formal articles of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate, beginning the first phase of his impeachment trial. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have both called for the inclusion of witnesses and evidence in the trial, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has so far rejected the terms while admitting to coordinating directly with the White House as opposed to acting as an impartial juror and is actively blocking press coverage of the trial.
The Senate trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday, January 21.
In response, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter Director Tom Torres released the following statement:
"The people of Pennsylvania deserve nothing less than a fair, evidence-based impeachment trial in the Senate. Mitch McConnell and all senators took an oath to support and defend the Constitution and faithfully discharge the duties of their office. It is imperative they remember that.
“Should McConnell and Senator Toomey permit Trump’s rampant and unprecedented corruption to remain unchecked, the consequences for our democracy -- and our clean air, clean water, and a safe climate -- would be at stake. If we are to protect the environment and fight for a livable planet, we must have a strong democracy.
“Senator Toomey -- just like every senator -- must put country over party, fulfill their sworn oaths to the Constitution, and protect the very bedrock of our democracy.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.