WASHINGTON, D.C.— Following this evening’s testimony by Defense Department official Laura Cooper and State Department official David Hale, People For the American Way Senior Fellow Elliot Mincberg released the following statement:

“This evening’s testimony provided an important new revelation that seriously undercuts Republican arguments. Laura Cooper of the Defense Department testified that she has recently learned that Ukraine first asked about the status of the military assistance to them on July 25 – the same day as the notorious Trump-Zelensky phone call – puncturing Republican claims that Ukraine could not have been aware of the hold when Trump asked for the ‘favor’ that Ukraine investigate the Bidens. Cooper and David Hale of the State Department, who was called at the request of Republicans, also provided other important corroboration on the aid issue. That included the harm caused by the delay and the strong consensus across the government, except for the president and Office of management and Budget, that the aid should be provided immediately. The evidence against Trump continues to accumulate.”

Elliot Mincberg has researched and analyzed the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, religious liberty and other civil rights/civil liberties issues for more than three decades. He is also a former chief counsel for oversight and investigations of the House Judiciary Committee, where he gained extensive  experience with impeachment proceedings.

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org