During a speech on the Senate floor on Monday, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) slammed President Donald Trump’s overtures to Ukraine, saying that “America’s national security is for sale.”
Jeffries, who is one of the most powerful politicians in the House because of his role as chair of the House Democratic caucus, asked senators, “If we allow the president’s misconduct to stand, what will we say to the 68,000 men and women in Europe right now who courageously and admirably wake up every day ready and willing to fight for America’s security and prosperity?”
He continued later, “What message do we send them when we say ‘America’s national security is for sale’? That cannot be the message that we want to send to our Ukrainian friends or our European allies or to our children and our grandchildren who will inherit this precious Republic.”
Jeffries added, “And I’m sure it is not the message you wish to send to our adversaries.”
Watch the video below:
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries: "America's national security is for sale…cannot be the message we want to send to our Ukrainian friends or our European allies."
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 3, 2020
"And I'm sure it is not the message that you wish to send to our adversaries." https://t.co/NoMPwt2vhr pic.twitter.com/t6xjxGgyVO
Jeffries has been a rising star in the Democratic party for years and that future has only brightened as he has fulfilled his role as one of the seven House impeachment managers. In that role, he has argued the case for impeachment alongside other notable congressmen, Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.). Arguing in support of the president was famed O.J. Simpson lawyer Alan Dershowitz and White House counsel.
Though the Senate is sure to acquit Trump and is not even expected to hear from witnesses, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has been pleased with the performance of the impeachment managers.
During a press conference last week, Pelosi said that the managers have been “magnificent custodians of the Constitution.” She added later that “by dint of their content, their presentation, their historic perspective, and their tone. They have made us all proud and I’ve told our colleagues, they give us a magnificent example to follow.”
