All three of Iowa's Democratic representatives in the U.S. House voted Thursday to approve a resolution formalizing the impeachment inquiry into President Trump. Rep. Cindy Axne, who represents Iowa's third congressional district, says she stands by her decision based on the evidence of wrongdoing revealed thus far.
On this edition of River to River, Axne speaks live with host Ben Kieffer about her opinions on the House impeachment process as well as her ongoing congressional agenda and goals. Later on, Axne also answers questions directly from Iowans.
Axne says she supported Thursday's House decision to formalize the impeachment inquiry because it will establish transparency around proceedings while allowing Trump and his counsel to answer key questions. She says the approved resolution grants Trump more procedural protections than any impeachment process in U.S. history.
"I think what we will see as things drive forth the facts will either prove or disprove [the legality of Trump's actions] and I will wait to see what that information looks like," Axne says. "But where we sit right now, I certainly see a president who violated the law."
Axne also discussed the introduction of her Whistleblower Programs Improvement Act this week, which aims to increase protections to people who reveal sensitive information to employers. The bill recently passed the House Agriculture Committee.
"We need to have people come to authorities and be protected in this country when they see wrongdoing," Axne says. "...It's really important we protect people who come forward with this kind of information because it's the right thing to do."
