U.S. Rep. Tom Reed. P-J file photo by Jordan W. Patterson

U.S. Rep. Tom Reed believes there are more serious matters than pushing for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Reed, touring a Jamestown Public Schools building Thursday, addressed the media about several ongoing issues around the country, one namely being the first day of hearings in Trump’s impeachment inquiry. The other issues included U.S. Rep. Chris Collins’ resignation and the looming U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) deal.

IMPEACHMENT

The first testimony in Trump’s impeachment inquiry was heard Thursday. Sparked by phone conversations that the president had with Ukraine’s president asking for information regarding 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. On the same day of the hearing, however, Trump openly asked the governments of Ukraine and China to provide information on Biden.

“Obviously, impeachment, we’ve weighed in on it numerous times,” Reed said. “I don’t see that smoking gun evidence of an impeachment level offense here. I’m just concerned for the country, to be perfectly honest with you. We are already polarized enough and I try to be a voice in D.C. as a proud Republican meeting with folks on the other side of aisle that are proud Democrats.”

Reed was fearful that the impeachment inquiry would draw the focus of the country away from “American solutions.” He referenced drug prices and farmers who are “suffering” that will be impacted if certain issues are not addressed.

“I’m just concerned that we’re going to get caught up into this political circus for the next year and a half,” he said.

COLLINS’ RESIGNATION

Collins announced his resignation from Congress ahead of his guilty plea in an insider trading case Monday. He was accused of leaking confidential information to his son, Cameron Collins, who has since pleaded guilty for his involvement in insider trading. The former congressman was indicted on 11 felony charges in 2018.

“First, I’m glad to see this chapter coming to a closure,” Reed said. “I think Chris Collins did the right thing resigning that seat and that will take care of itself in regards to justice and accountability.”

With Collins’ resignation, the 27th Congressional District will be without a representative until Gov. Andrew Cuomo schedules a special election. Recently, Cuomo indicated on WAMC-FM that he wants to hold a special election “sooner rather than later.” Reed said he was “glad” to see Cuomo’s comments.

“I applaud the governor’s sentiment that I read about. He wants to have an election sooner rather than later,” Reed said. “Having had this in the 23rd Congressional District when we came into Congress, I think the governor’s on the right path in this case. Get an election. Hold the election. Get a voice in Washington, D.C., for those 700,000 people of the 27th Congressional District that deserve that voice.”

U.S.-MEXICO-CANADA DEAL

Reed referenced the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal that is awaiting action by Congress. The deal is meant to replace the previous North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.

“Up until last week, we we’re having very positive conversations behind the scenes of getting the Mexico-Canada to the floor of the House,” Reed said. “As we’ve said before, I know the vote count. I’m very confident telling you it would pass the House and Senate and be signed by the president.”

The congressman noted that the impeachment inquiry has “changed the calculation” of potential trade deal’s timeline. He was hopeful that within two weeks members of Congress will “get the people’s business done.”