On Jan. 15, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released a statement after Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) named him lead House manager for the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump.

“I am humbled by the responsibility of serving as the lead House manager in the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump, and thank Speaker Pelosi for the trust she has placed in me and our team,” Schiff said. “It is a solemn responsibility and one that I will undertake with the seriousness that the task requires.”

Schiff will be joined by U.S. Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), Val Demings (D-Fla.) and Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas). 

“The House of Representatives was compelled by our duty to Constitution and country to hold President Trump accountable for his wrongdoing,” Schiff added. “President Trump abused the power of his office by pressing a foreign government to interfere in our elections while withholding a highly sought-after White House meeting and vital military aid to an ally at war with Russia. When he was caught, President Trump obstructed – in an unprecedented and sweeping fashion – the House impeachment inquiry.

“The overwhelming evidence and testimony presented against the president led to his impeachment last month, and since that time, more documents have come to light, and witnesses have come forward willing to testify.

“Americans overwhelmingly want a fair trial in the Senate, fair to the president and fair to the people. Senators must demand to see and hear the full evidence, including the documents and witnesses the president has blocked. Only then can they faithfully discharge their own Constitutional duties to be fair and impartial jurors.

“Trump’s abuse of power is a clear and present danger to our democracy and national security interests. The House upheld our Constitutional duty. Now it’s up to the Senate to do the same.

“In this next phase, I look forward to working closely with my fellow managers on behalf of the American people and in defense of our Constitution.”