('Inngreaa at the ?nite)?! gtatea an EHSIS October 3, 2019 Members of the Intelligence, Oversight and Reform, and Foreign Affairs Committees Washington, DC. 20515 Dear Colleagues: We are writing to convey our grave concerns with the unprecedented actions of President Donald Trump and his Administration with respect to the House of Representatives? impeachment inquiry. The President and his aides are engaging in a campaign of misinformation and misdirection in an attempt to normalize the act of soliciting foreign powers to interfere in our elections. We have all now seen the summary of the call in which President Trump repeatedly urged the Ukrainian President to launch an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden? immediately after the Ukrainian President mentioned critical U.S. military assistance to counter Russian aggression. The President claims he did nothing wrong. Even more astonishing, he is now openly and publicly asking another foreign power?China?to launch its own sham investigation against the Bidens to further his own political aims. This is not normal or acceptable. It is unethical, unpatriotic, and wrong. American Presidents should never press foreign powers to target their domestic political rivals. Engaging in these stunning abuses in broad daylight does not absolve President Trump of his wrongdoings?or his grave offenses against the Constitution. Over the past week, new reports have revealed that other Trump Administration officials also may have been involved in the illicit effort to get Ukrainian help for the President?s campaign. For example, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has now admitted that he was on the call when President Trump explicitly pressed the Ukrainian President to investigate the Bidens? but failed to report this to the FBI or other law enforcement authorities. You will recall, FBI Director Christopher Wray urged individuals to report efforts to seek or receive help from a foreign power that may intervene in a U.S. presidential election. This obligation is not diminished when the instigator of that foreign intervention is the President of the United States; it is all the more crucial to the security of our elections. Instead, when asked by the media about his own knowledge or participation in the call, Secretary Pompeo dissembled. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Likewise, we are investigating reports that Vice President Mike Pence may have been made aware of the contents of the call, and his absence from the Ukrainian President?s inauguration may have been related to efforts to put additional pressure on Ukraine to deliver on the President?s demands. This week, current and former State Department of?cials have begun cooperating with the impeachment inquiry by producing documents and scheduling interviews and depositions. Based on the ?rst production of materials, it has become immediately apparent why Secretary Pompeo tried to block these of?cials from providing information. The Committees have now obtained text messages from Ambassador Kurt Volker, the former Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations, communicating with other of?cials, including William B. ?Bill? Taylor, the Charge d?Affaires at the US. Embassy in Ukraine, Gordon Sondland, the US. Ambassador to the European Union, Andrey Yerrnak, Aide to Ukrainian President Zelensky, the President?s agent Rudy Giuliani, and others. These text messages re?ect serious concerns raised by a State Department of?cial about the detrimental effects of withholding critical military assistance from Ukraine, and the importance of setting up a meeting between President Trump and the Ukrainian President without further delay. He also directly expressed concerns that this critical military assistance and the meeting between the two presidents were being withheld in order to place additional pressure on Ukraine to deliver on the President?s demand for Ukraine to launch politically motivated investigations. Earlier today, selected portions of these texts were leaked to the press out of context. In order to help correct the public record, we are now providing an attachment with more complete excerpts from the exchanges. The additional excerpts we are providing are still only a subset of the full body of the materials, which we hope to make public after a review for personally identi?able information. Our investigation will continue in the coming days. But we hope every Member of the House will join us in condemning in the strongest terms the President?s now open de?ance of our core values as American citizens to guard against foreign interference in our democratic process. Sincerely, L. tag/O Eliot L. Engel Chairman Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Elijah Cummings Chairman House Committee on Oversight and Reform ATTACHMENT Connecting Rudy Giuliani with Ukraine President Zelenskv?s Advisor: On July 19, Ambassador Volker texted President Trump?s agent, Rudy Giuliani, to thank him for breakfast and to introduce him to Andrey Yemiak, a top advisor to President Zelensky: [7/19/19, 4:48 Kurt Volker: Mr Mayor really enjoyed breakfast this morning. As discussed, connecting you here with Andrey Yermak, who is very close to President Zelensky. I suggest we schedule a call together on Monday maybe 10am or 11am Washington time? Kurt Sondland Briefs Zelenskv Ahead of Call with President Trump: On July 19, 2019, Ambassador Volker, Ambassador Sondland, and Mr. Taylor had the following exchange about the Speci?c goal for the upcoming telephone call between President Trump and the Ukrainian President: [7/19/19, 4:49:42 Kurt Volker: Can we three do a call tomorrow?say noon [7/19/19, 6:50:29 Gordon Sondland: Looks like Potus call tomorrow. I spike [sic] directly to Zelensky and gave him a full brie?ng. He?s got it. [7/19/19, 6:52:57 Gordon Sondland: Sure! [7/19/19, 7:01 :22 Kurt Volker: Good. Had breakfast with Rudy this morning?teeing up call Yermak Monday. Must have helped. Most impt is for Zelensky to say that he will help investigation?and address any speci?c personnel issues?if there are any Concerns about Ukraine Becoming an ?Instrument? in US. Politics: On July 21, 2019, Ambassador Taylor ?agged President Zelensky?s desire for Ukraine not to be used by the Trump Administration for its own domestic political purposes: [7/21/19, 1:45:54 Bill Taylor: Gordon, one thing Kurt and I talked about yesterday was Sasha Danyliuk?s point that President is sensitive about Ukraine being taken seriously, not merely as an instrument in Washington domestic, reelection politics. [7/21/19, 4:45:44 Gordon Sondland: Absolutely, but we need to get the conversation started and the relationship built, irrespective of the pretext. I am wonied about the alternative. Giuliani Advocates for Trump?Zelenskv Call: Mr. Yermak and Mr. Giuliani agreed to speak on the morning of July 22. Later that evening, Ambassador Volker informed Ambassadors Sondland and Taylor that Giuliani was now ?advocating? for a phone call between President Trump and President Zelensky: [7/22/19 4:27:55 Kurt Volker: Orchestrated a great phone call Rudy and Yermak. They are going to get together when Rudy goes to Madrid in a couple of weeks. [7/22/ 19 4:28:08 Kurt Volker: In the meantime Rudy is now advocating for phone call. [7/22/19 4:28:26 Kurt Volker: I have call into Fiona?s replacement and will call Bolton if needed. [7/22/ 19 4:28:48 PM Kurt Volker: But 1 can tell Bolton and you can tell Mick that Rudy agrees on a call if that helps. [7/22/19 4:30:10 Gordon Sondland: I talked to Tim Morrison Fiona?s replacement. He is pushing but feel free as well. - Volker Advises Yermak Ahead of Trump-'Zelenskv Call: On the morning of July 25, 2019?ahead of the planned call between President Trump and President Zelensky? Ambassador Volker advised Andrey Yermak: [7/25/ 19, 8:36:45 Kurt Volker: Good lunch - thanks. Heard from White House?assuming President convinces trump he will investigate ?get to the bottom of what happened? in 2016, we will nail down date for Visit to Washington. Good luck! See you tomorrow- kurt - Yermak?s Informal Readout of the Trump-Zelenskv Call: Following President Trump?s July 25 call, Ambassador Volker received the following readout from Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Yermak and con?rmed his intent to meet Giuliani in Madrid: [7/25/ 19, 10:15:06 Andrey Yermak: Phone call went well. President Trump proposed to choose any convenient dates. President Zelenskiy chose 20,21 ,22 September for the White House Visit. Thank you again for your help! Please remind Mr. Mayor to share the Madrid?s dates [7/25/ 19, 10:16:42 Kurt Volker: Great ?thanks and will do! a State Department Officials Discuss 3 White House Visit and Ukraine Statement: On August 9, 2019, Ambassador Volker had the following exchange with Ambassador Sondland about arranging a White House meeting after the Ukrainian President makes a public statement: 19, 5: 35:53 Gordon Sondland: Morrison ready to get dates as soon as Yermak con?rms. [8/9/19, 5: 46:21 Kurt Volker: Excellenttl How did you sway him? 19, 5: 47:34 Gordon Sondland: Not sure i did. I think potus really wants the deliverable [8/9/19, 5: 48:00 Kurt Volker: But does he know that? [8/9/19, 5: 48:09 Gordon Sondland: Yep [8/9/19, 5: 48:37 Gordon Sondland: Clearly lots of convos going on 19, 5:48:38 Kurt Volker: Ok?then that?s good it?s coming from two separate sources [8/9/19, 5: 51:18 Gordon Sondland: To avoid misundestandings, might be helpful to ask Andrey for a draft statememt (embargoed) so that we can see exactly what they propose to cover. Even though Ze does a live presser they can still summarize in a brief statement. Thoughts? [8/9/19, 5: 51:42 Kurt Volker: Agree! State Department Of?cials Seek Giuliani?s Guidance on Ukraine Statement: On August 9, 2019, after Mr. Giuliani met with President Zelensky?s aide Andrey Yermak, Ambassador Volker asked to speak with Mr. Giuliani about the Ukranian statement: 19, 11:27 Kurt Volker: Hi Mr Mayor! Had a good chat with Yermak last night. He was pleased with your phone call. Mentioned making a statement. Can we all get on the phone to make sure I advise correctly as to what he should be saying? Want to make sure we get this done right. Thanks! Gordon Sondland: Good idea Kurt. I am on Pacific time. Rudy Giuliani: Yes can you call now going to Fundraiser at 12:30 Ukrainian Aide Seeks White House Date First: On August 10, 2019, President Zelensky?s aide, Andrey Yermak, pressed Ambassador Volker for a date for the White House visit before committing to a statement announcing an investigation explicitly referencing the 2016 election and Burisma: [8/10/19, 4:56:15 Andrey Yermak: Hi Kurt. Please let me know when you can talk. I think it?s possible to make this declaration and mention all these things. Which we discussed yesterday. But it will be logic to do after we receive a con?rmation of date. We inform about date of visit and about our expectations and our guarantees for future visit. Let discuss it [8/10/19, 5:01 :32 Kurt Volker: Ok! It?s late for you?why don?t we talk in my morning, your afternoon tomorrow? Say lOam/Spm? [8/10/19, 5:02:18 Kurt Volker: I agree with your approach. Let?s iron out statement and use that to get date and then PreZ can go forward with it? [8/10/19, 5:26:17 Andrey Yennak: Ok [8/10/19, 5:38:43 Kurt Volker: Great. Gordon is available tojoin as well [8/10/ 19, 5:41:45 Andrey Yerrnak: Excellent [8/10/ 19, 5:42:10 Andrey Yermak: Once we have a date, will call for a press brie?ng, announcing upcoming visit and outlining vision for the reboot of US- UKRAINE relationship, including among other things Burisma and election meddling in investigations 10/ 19, 5:42:30 Kurt Volker: Sounds great! 0 Discussion of Ukrainian Statement to Include References to 2016 Election and Burisma: Following the August 9, 2019, outreach to Rudy Giuliani, Ambassador Volker and Ambassador Sondland on August 13, 2019, had following exchange regarding the proposed Ukrainian statement: [8/13/19, 10:26:44 Kurt Volker: Special attention should be paid to the problem of interference in the political processes of the United States especially with the alleged involvement of some Ukrainian politicians. I want to declare that this is unacceptable. We intend to initiate and complete a transparent and unbiased investigation of all available facts and episodes, including those involving Burisma and the 2016 US. elections, which in turn will prevent the recurrence of this problem in the future. 13/ 19, 10:27:20 Gordon Sondland: Perfect. Lets send to Andrey after our call 0 Con?rming Desire to Reference 2016 Election and Burisma: On August 17, 2019, Ambassadors Volker and Sondland had the following exchange in which they discussed their message to Ukraine: 17/ 19, 3:06:19 Gordon Sondland: Do we still want Ze to give us an unequivocal draft with 2016 and Boresma? [8/17/19, 4:34:21 Kurt Volker: That?s the clear message so far 17/19, 4:34:39 Kurt Volker: I?m hoping we can put something out there that causes him to respond with that [8/17/19, 4:41 :09 Gordon Sondland: Unless you think otherwise 1 will return Andreys call tomorrow and suggest they send us a clean draft. Ukrainian Official Shares Press Report of US. Withholding Military Assistance: On August 28, President Zelensky?s aide, Andrey Yermak, texted Ambassador Volker a news story entitled, ?Trump Holds Up Ukraine Military Aid Meant to Confront Russia?: [8/29/ 19, 2:28: 19 Andrey Yermak: Need to talk with you [8/29/19, 3:06:14 Andrey Yermak: 1689531 [8/29/19, 6:55:04 Kurt Volker: Hi Andrey absolutely. When is good for you? President Trump Cancels Trip to Meet President Zelenskv: On August 30, Ambassador Taylor informed Ambassador Volker that President Trump had canceled his planned Visit to Warsaw, Poland, where he was to meet with President Zelensky. Ambassadors Volker and Sondland discussed an alternative plan for Vice President Pence to meet with President Zelensky on September 1: [8/30/ 19, 12:14:57 Bill Taylor: Trip canceled [8/3 0/19, 12:16:02 Kurt Volker: Hope VPOTUS keeps the bilat and tees up WH Visit. .. [8/30/19, 12:16:18 Kurt Volker: And hope Gordon and Perry still [8/30/19, 5:31 :14 Gordon Sondland: I am going. Pompeo is speaking to Potus today September 1, Ambassador Taylor sought clari?cation of the requirements for a White House visit: 1/ 19, 12:08:57 Bill Taylor: Are we now saying that security assistance and WH meeting are conditioned on investigations? [9/1/19, 12:42:29 Gordon Sondland: Call me State Department Officials on Security Assistance and the Ukraine ?Interview?: On September 8, Ambassador Taylor, Ambassador Sondland, and Ambassador Volker had the following exchange: 19, 11:20:32 Gordon Sondland: Guys multiple convos with Ze, Potus. Lets talk [9/8/19, 11:21:41 Bill Taylor: Now is ?ne with me 19, 11:26:13 Kurt Volker: Try again?could not hear 19, 11:40:11 Bill Taylor: Gordon and I just Spoke. 1 can brief you if you and Gordon don?t connect [9/8/19, 12:37:28 Bill Taylor: The nightmare is they give the interview and don?t get the security assistance. The Russians love it. (And I quit.) 0 State Department Of?cials on Withholding Security Assistance: On September 9, 2019, Ambassador Taylor and Ambassador Sondland had the following exchange regarding the withholding of military assistance to Ukraine: 19, 12:31 :06 Bill Taylor: The message to the Ukrainians (and Russians) we send with the decision on security assistance is key. With the hold, we have already shaken their faith in us. Thus my nightmare scenario. [9/9/19, 12:34:44 Bill Taylor: Counting on you to be right about this interview, Gordon. [9/9/19, 12:37:16 Gordon Sondland: Bill, I never said I was ?right?. I said we are where we are and believe we have identi?ed the best pathway forward. Lets hope it works. [9/9/19, 12:47:11 Bill Taylor: As 1 said on the phone, I think it?s crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign. 19, 5:19:35 Gordon Sondland: Bill, Ibelieve you are incorrect about President Trump?s intentions. The President has been clear no quid pro quo?s of any kind. The President is trying to evaluate whether Ukraine is truly going to adopt the transparency and reforms that President Zelensky promised during his campaign I suggest we stop the back and forth by text If you still have concerns I recommend you give Lisa Kenna or a call to discuss them directly. Thanks. Mr Mayor really enjoyed breakfast this morning. As discussed, connecting you here with Andrey Yermak, who is very close to President Zelensky. suggest We schedule a call together on Monday maybe 10am or ?Iiam Washington time? Kurt 22: - ES E52: Exam 32Eng: Egg 2% E53 j: EE .EE E: 5% Egg 52 a: gamma: is 3:25sz 221%. 3% a: 2 3% as 525$ ?2215 EE :3 i3 .ESNE Sign 3%ng Egg 355%; mm mm 32% .232 Egg m_ MI E2: 521522 232$23 $32 .332335mass 5 E3 Em? a 9% E: EHEZES ta? :5 Eat :32 mam a?mcmag E3: E: Ema: swarm; 5233523 25235 353% 1 32: Egg SE 23: 92%. Ew 3 52 mg?: I..II.I.I. .Il 3:2: I :2 EE ?g 222% :2 Egg Ema 32 52:3 5% 5% Eggs LmLEmEmm mmg? 52m [333/13, 5:35 :53 Burden Sundlaml: Merrisen ready tn get dates as ssun as Yermak esntirms. Haw 313 yen swan,f 11337:) [3/3 5:47 :34 Burden Sendlandz Not sure: 5313 ithink petus really wants the deliverable 13/3/13. 54333 Kurt Valker: Hut 3383 he lcnuwthat? [3/3413 5:43: 33 [inrdun 33n3lan3: Yep [333/13 5 43 3 Gordan Sendlan3: Clearly lats of canvas going an [3/3/13 54:3 33 PM Kurt ltalker: 3k then that it 3 coming from separate seurees 13/3/13. 55113 Eerdnn Sendland. is amid misundestandings might be helpful ts askilndrey fur a draft statememt (embargoed) se thatwe can see exactly wiiattlie;I prepase te esver Even theugh Ze does a live presserthey can still summarize In a brief statement. Thaughts? 13/3/13. 5:51:42 Kurt Valker: Agreei 1331,! if}. 37 Hi Mr Mayor! Had a good chat with Yermak last night. He was pleased with your phone call. Mentioned 2 making a statement. Can we ali get on the phone to make sure i advise correctly as to what he shouid be saying? Want to make sure we get this done right. Thanks! Good idea Kurt. i am on Pacific time. Yes can you call now going to Fundraiser at 12:30 4:55le tindrey ?i?ermak: Hi Kurt. Please let me knowwhen you can talk. lthink it?s possible to make this declaratien and mention all these things. Which we discussed yesterday. But it wil be logic to do after we receive a centirmatien of date. We intorm about date of visit and about our expectations and our guarantees for tuture visits let discuss it Kurt?iolker: it?s late foruou don't wetalk in my mernino. your afternoon tomerrow? Say anm/Eom? E/iD/iEi, SENS Kurt Volker: i agree with your approach. let?s iron out statement and use that to get date and thee PreZ can go forward with it? H/iU/lg, 5:2lizl7 Andrey Yermak: Uk Bordon is available to join as well S/i?flti, Andrey Yermak: Excellent Willi] endrey Yermek; [lnce we have a date, will call to? a press briefing, announcing upcoming visit and sutlining vision lorthe reboot at US-UKRMNE relationship, including among otherthings Herisma and election meddling in investigations 5:42:33 Kurt Volker: Sounds great! [B/lE/lEi. Kurt Velker: Special attentinn shsuld he paid tn the pf interference in the pelitical prneesses at the United States. especially with the alleged at same Ukrainian paliticians. I want tn declare that this is unacceptable. We intend tn initiate and complete a transparent and unbiased investigatiee at all available lacts and episndes, including these invelving Eurisma and the EDIE US. electians.whieh in turn will prevent the recurrence at this in the future. IUQWU Md] Garden Sendland: Perfect. Lets send te Andrey alter per call 33313 Eerdee Sendleed: ?e vie sttil went Ze te give us an 3/17/33 Kurt?v?elkeezThat?e the clear message 35 fee [3/17/13 43433 Kurt Velker: I?m heping we can put eemethieg met there that causes him tn with that [3/17/13 ealltemerrewand suggest they send us a eteen draft. 25/25/15 2:25 :15 1-111] 555mg: Yemak: Need 1311: with yum 5/25/15 55515111111]11ndrey1??rmakz 5/25/15, 55551151111 Kurt Vs1ker:11111ndrey -1113301L1te1v. When is gaad fawnu'? AME anlw: ErEga cancelad SSE ES EH SE Km Sage keegs the 3an E383 up WEE SS EZESES SaEker?: Emma Sardnn and Sam sEiE SSE ESEE Garden am wing. Pamaea is speakmg tn Satus Eaday Ea SEE iE Ewe EBEE gm. [B/i/iB. 1211867 Bill iayiar: {Tim WE new saying that security assistance and WH meeting are mmditinnad Di?i investigatigns? 12:42:39 Eardnn Snndiand: ?aii me Garden Sendlend: Guys muItipIe news with EB. Fetus. Lets talk anistinewith me II: 23 Kurt VeIker': again est hear II: 43:? Bil] Ieyler: Herder: and Ijust spake. I can bet etyeu inu and Garden denteenneet {323/73 I2: 37. 23 HilIIeerr: Ihe nightmare Is they give the interview and dent get the assistance. Ihe Russians Ieve it. {Itnd I [1th [9/9/19 IMPUE 9i I iavle r: The message tn the Ukrainians (and Russians) we send with the decisian en security assistance is key. With the hnid, we have already shaken their faith in us. ihus my nightmare seenarin. [9/9/99 I2134z44i1M] Eililavlur: Euunting an snu tuIJe right ahnut this interview, Burden. never said i was ?right". I said we are where we are and believe we have identified the best pathway inr?ward. lets hope it marks. [9/9/99 Igzli'ldi Bill lavlur: lis I said an the phnne, I think it?s crazy to withheld security assistance fer help with a eelitical camaaign. [El/9299. 59935 Garden Sendland: Bil . I believe vnu are inesrreet ahuut President Trump?s intestines. The President has been clear: as quid gun?s at any kindlhe President is trying tn evaluate whether Ukraine istrulv geing to adapt thetransearenev and reinrms that President Zelensky premised during his campaign. I suggest we step the hack and ferth by text. If vnu still have ceneerns, I recnmm end use give Iisa Kenna erS a call tn discussthem directly. Thanks,