U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to formalize the impeachment inquiry into the abuse of power of President Donald Trump:

“America’s national security is paramount. Today, I voted to support the impeachment inquiry into the abuse of power of President Trump and to determine the extent of his wrongdoing. The president has elevated himself above the law in his attempt to extort the newly-elected president of Ukraine to manufacture smears against an American political opponent. Trump put his personal political interests above America’s national security interests, and he must be held accountable. No one is above the law. The American people deserve to know the full story.

“Today’s vote establishes a fair procedure for hearings that are open to the American people, authorizes the disclosure of important documents, including deposition transcripts, and sets forth due process rights for the President and his Counsel.

“Affirming the impeachment inquiry will eliminate any doubt as to whether the Trump Administration may withhold documents, prevent witness testimony, disregard duly authorized subpoenas, or continue obstructing the House of Representatives. Trump administration officials are doing the right thing by coming forward – and Trump is wrong to try to cover up and obstruct the investigation by blocking witnesses from appearing and smearing the character of dedicated public servants.

“The American people deserve to understand the depth and breadth of Trump’s ethical and criminal violations, so the House will continue working to uphold the rule of law by proceeding deliberately and following the facts wherever they may lead.

“While Congress moves forward with the bipartisan inquiry, I remain focused on working on the priorities of my Tampa neighbors, including the lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and boosting good-paying jobs.”