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In response to the Senate’s vote today to acquit President Donald J. Trump of the Articles of Impeachment brought forward by the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) issued the following statement:

“As a former prosecutor and attorney, I know that a trial without witnesses is not a fair trial -- it is a sham. The Senate’s decision today to acquit the President after rejecting new witnesses and evidence is nothing less than a dereliction of duty.

“The evidence presented by the House managers is clear, consistent, and overwhelming. The President abused his power, and he will forever be impeached for it.

“The repercussions for our democracy resulting from the Senate’s failure to hold this President accountable for his crimes will be lasting and corrosive.

“Our Founders knew that we would face trying times such as these and challenged us to meet the moment with a sense of duty and courage. Thomas Paine put it best, ‘The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country.’

“It is truly disheartening to see so many sunshine patriots in the United States Senate.”

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