As members of Congress, it is the duty of Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young to serve as members of an independent legislative branch, balancing the judicial and executive branches.T
he impeachment inquiry has revealed a serious complaint alleging executive branch misuse of funds and diplomatic agenda for personal gain. This is unarguably a serious charge.
It is an essential role of the legislative branch to determine the validity of these allegations. This cannot occur blindly, by accepting an executive branch claim that these charges are false. If the allegations are unfounded, this is best confirmed by obtaining and reviewing all documentation and testimony, and by requiring compliance and participation from the executive branch.
The White House claims that because the allegations are false, there is no requirement for cooperation or compliance with subpoenas, that investigators are traitors, and that whistleblowers should be treated as spies. It is Congress’ duty to support an investigation of these allegations, and to demand full cooperation of the executive branch with the proceedings.
It is our delegation’s sworn duty to defend the powers bestowed upon Congress by our Constitution. It is their duty to fully support a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry into the current allegations, to compel the executive branch to comply with documentation and subpoena requests, and to call out obstruction of justice when the White House does not comply.
— Timothy Silbaugh
Anchorage
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