Hyde-Smith cosponsors resolution denouncing House Democrat impeachment process

Measure Condemns Democrats’ Denial of Due Process or Procedures Used in Previous Cases

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today condemned the lack of due process and adherence to basic rights in the House of Representatives impeachment inquiry against President Trump.

Hyde-Smith is an original cosponsor of a Senate resolution, introduced Thursday by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), that demands the House begin to use “long-standing practice and precedent” before proceeding any further with its impeachment investigation.  It criticizes the current process for denying the President the basic fairness and due process afforded to every American.

“It’s hard not to be skeptical of the unfair, secretive, and strictly partisan effort against President Trump.  The House impeachment inquiry is a built on a ‘make up the rules as you go’ process that ignores basic due process and fundamental rights,” Hyde-Smith said.  “I cosponsored this resolution to be on the record as supporting the President’s right to defend himself using the same rights due to anyone facing such serious accusations.”

The resolution states, “…one of the cornerstones of the American constitution is due process; the right to confront your accuser; call witnesses on your behalf; and challenge the accusations against you.”

The measure calls on the House of Representatives to:

• Hold a vote to initiate a formal impeachment inquiry before proceeding any further with its impeachment investigation into President Trump;
• Provide President Trump, like every other American, with due process, to include the ability to confront his accusers, call witnesses on his behalf, and have a basic understanding of the accusations against him that would form any basis for impeachment; and
• Provide members of the minority with the ability to participate fully in all proceedings and have equal authority to issue subpoenas and other compulsory process.

A copy of the resolution is available here.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith Press Release

10/24/2019