Congressman Chris Smith’s remarks during the impeachment debate

The U.S. House of Representatives approved articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday evening.

Congressman Chris Smith, R-NJ, delivered the following statement in opposition on the House floor during the impeachment debate:

Madame Speaker, the U.S. Constitution is clear and unambiguous—impeachment of any president is permitted only for treason, bribery, high crimes and misdemeanors.

Undoing the will of the people expressed in a free and fair election with the proposed articles of impeachment, totally fails to meet the legal standard prescribed by the U. S. Constitution. Despite hearings and a process that were egregiously flawed and unfair, there is still no direct evidence whatsoever of any crime.

Disagreement with or intense dislike for this or any other president of the United States is not now—nor should it ever be—grounds for impeachment.