CNN "The Situation Room" - Transcript: Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) is Interviewed About the Impeachment Hearing

Interview

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Congressman Ted Lieu is joining us right now. He's a Democrat who serves on the Judiciary Committee, took part in today's historic meeting.

Congressman, thanks so much for joining us.

Based on what you heard today how strong of a legal and historical standing do you and your fellow Democrats have, those of you who support impeaching the president?

REP. TED LIEU (D-CA): I thank you, Wolf, for your question. I think there is a strong case to be made. The witnesses testified very clearly that the framers of the Constitution put in the impeachment provisions specifically to deal with the situation where the president engaged in an abuse of power or bribery.

That looks like what we have here. We have Donald Trump who is basically withholding military aid, as well as a critical meeting with Ukrainian president in exchange for having Ukrainians launch a bogus investigation into his political rival that looks just like bribery.

BLITZER: If the vote were held today, Congressman, would you vote to impeach the president?

LIEU: No decision has been made as to whether or not we will go forward for impeachment. I do think the facts look very bad for the president and the law looks even worse for the president.

BLITZER: Like most member, you focused your questioning on the witnesses chosen by your party. Did Democrats miss an opportunity to engage more with the Republican invited witness, Professor Turley?

LIEU: So, some of our members did, in fact, question Professor Turley, as well. There was so much information that we wanted to ask that it was simply a matter of making sure that we get the information out there to educate the American people in the first place.

BLITZER: Professor Turley made a point that impeaching a president of the United States is one of the most important, one of the most serious things the House of Representatives can do. He says, why are you guys rushing this? Why not build a stronger case? Let things, for example, play out in the courts as far as getting subpoenas answered and witnesses from the White House, from elsewhere in the executive branch to actually show up?

LIEU: Actually, we're not rushing it. In the Clinton impeachment, it was approximately 72 days and we're at day 71 right now, and we've had extensive hearings and extensive witness transcripts and the most damning evidence came out first. It was the White House call record that showing Donald Trump solicited Ukrainian leader to investigate the DNC server, as well as the Bidens. There's no reason for the American president to solicit foreign interference in our election for his personal benefit?

BLITZER: Do you know when the next hearing is going to take place? What happens now?

LIEU: We will have a hearing next week with the House Intel majority, as well as the House Intel minority will present their reports to the Judiciary Committee.

BLITZER: What day is that?

LIEU: I don't know the exact date. It will be next week.

BLITZER: And then what follows after that?

LIEU: That is beyond my pay grade, Wolf.

BLITZER: You will leave it to the chairman to make those decisions.

Ted Lieu, thanks very much.

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