Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) says allegations of quid pro quo against President Donald Trump could be grounds for impeachment.
“I think that anytime a President of the United States takes an action in which it’s contrary to the bipartisan efforts of the nation, in which they are asking for something that is not in the nation’s interest, but in their own personal interest, I think that can be an impeachable offense,” Costa said Thursday.
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“In America, every person is innocent until proven guilty. In America, no person is above the law. I don’t intend to allow politics to intervene.”— Rep. Jim Costa
Trump is accused of holding up foreign aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into former vice president and current presidential contender Joe Biden, and his son Hunter Biden.
The president has denied any wrongdoing.
Costa voted last week for a formal impeachment inquiry. The first public testimony in a House committee is scheduled next week.
“In America, every person is innocent until proven guilty. In America, no person is above the law. I don’t intend to allow politics to intervene,” Costa said.
Costa appeared Thursday as a speaker during the California Economic Summit, held in downtown Fresno. He said the two most difficult votes for any congress member are war and impeachment.
Watch: Costa on Impeachment
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Newsom Stumps for Costa
Gov. Gavin Newsom will deliver the keynote speech to the summit on Friday. However, he is scheduled to appear at a Costa fundraiser tonight, at a private home in the Fresno area.
“I’ve been saying all along, I have the support of the entire Democratic establishment. Period,” Costa said, referring to his support from Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Attorney General Xavier Becerra, and others. “We’re friends. We have relationships.”
Costa, running for his ninth term in office, is facing a challenge to his left from fellow Democrat and Fresno councilwoman Esmeralda Soria.
As part of her campaign, Soria said Costa is out of touch with Valley residents. She also vowed not to accept corporate political donations.
Two others have announced runs for the 16th congressional district: Democrat Kim Williams of Merced, and Republican Kevin Cookingham of Fresno County.
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David Taub has spent most of his career in journalism behind the scenes working as a TV assignment editor and radio producer. For more than a decade, he has worked in the Fresno market with such stops at KSEE-24, KMJ and Power Talk 96.7. Taub also worked the production and support side of some of TV sports biggest events including the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals and NASCAR to name a few. Taub graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
Thank you for your update. It sounds like a busy time back there in
Washington. And also thank you for your time and commitment to your position.
However, I must disagree with you on the impeachment offence. If the investigation finds that what was done was not really an impeachable offence, will you rise above your fellow democrats and admit that President Trump has done a lot of good for this country?
Changing the way everyday business is done in Washington is probably the best thing that has come out of this presidency.
I think it is about time that you, as our representative, start working for the good of the United States. The trade deals that are on the table need to be ratified. That will do more good for this valley economy than anything else.
The next one would be labor. Because of inaction in Congress we have a real problem getting farm help. After that would be the sanctuary policy that this state has. I think you should come out against this and help restore law to this valley.
Thank you again for your service.
This impeachment inquiry is a farce. It is a shame that you are clearly following the theme of the DNC to remove MY President. I had hope that you would stand for the truth; clearly you are not. Regardless of party, this is an affront to our democracy. The swamp is real and you have dove head first into it.
Lloyd Erlandon
November 16, 2019 at 9:17 am
Thank you for your update. It sounds like a busy time back there in
Washington. And also thank you for your time and commitment to your position.
However, I must disagree with you on the impeachment offence. If the investigation finds that what was done was not really an impeachable offence, will you rise above your fellow democrats and admit that President Trump has done a lot of good for this country?
Changing the way everyday business is done in Washington is probably the best thing that has come out of this presidency.
I think it is about time that you, as our representative, start working for the good of the United States. The trade deals that are on the table need to be ratified. That will do more good for this valley economy than anything else.
The next one would be labor. Because of inaction in Congress we have a real problem getting farm help. After that would be the sanctuary policy that this state has. I think you should come out against this and help restore law to this valley.
Thank you again for your service.
Janet Lynn Balch
November 16, 2019 at 10:42 am
This impeachment inquiry is a farce. It is a shame that you are clearly following the theme of the DNC to remove MY President. I had hope that you would stand for the truth; clearly you are not. Regardless of party, this is an affront to our democracy. The swamp is real and you have dove head first into it.