WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has issued this statement following a vote on a resolution related to the process to begin a formal impeachment inquiry:

"Second only to declaring war, impeaching a president and overturning the results of an election is the most significant action that Congress can take. Historical precedent demands that this only occurs in the most extreme circumstances, and should happen only after a formal law enforcement investigation where independent, non-partisan factual findings of criminal activity are presented to Congress. As this had not occurred, and as all proceedings to date have been held in secret and excluded 75% of Congress, today's actions by the House have set a dangerous precedent for our nation."