Getting At the Truth, Protecting the Future Post Impeachment

Republicans  have made clear that  Mr. Trump's conduct, though it may be wrong, was in their view neither criminal nor impeachable. House Democrats now should announce that they will consider legislation which will explicitly make such conduct, seeking the assistance of a foreign government to besmirch a political rival, and to use the powers of office to coerce such assistance, a federal crime and an impeachable offense. The House should also explore legislation requiring the production of documents and witnesses in aid of any investigation conducted by Congress for oversight, legislative or impeachment purposes notwithstanding a claim of executive privilege.

In furtherance of that legislative consideration, the House should subpoena Messrs. Bolton, Mulvaney, Pompeo, Barr, Cipollone and others whose testimony would be appropriate in informing the need for and parameters of such legislation. By doing so, the public will get to hear the facts concealed by Republican stonewalling and put in place safeguards to deter and punish future misconduct.