[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 14 (Friday, February 11, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               ACQUITTAL OF SENATOR KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise today to report some great news for 
the Senate which should be welcomed universally on both sides of the 
aisle. Our colleague from Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchison, was acquitted 
today of charges brought against her in a court in Fort Worth. This is 
great news for Kay and her husband Ray, great news for the people of 
Texas, and great news for the Senate.
  My view has always been that the charges brought against Senator 
Hutchison were a politically motivated attempt at character 
assassination. The real crime here was letting fairness take a back 
seat to politics. Political show trials have no place in Texas, and no 
place in America. Today's acquittal confirms what we have been saying 
all along.
  And hopefully this verdict today will set a valuable example--it is 
time to stop politically motivated legal harassment of public 
officials, whether they are Democrat or Republican. If a legitimate 
case can be made, that is one thing. But, as today's verdict indicates, 
these things can get out of hand. When the facts are not there to 
support a legitimate prosecution--no matter whether you are a Democrat 
or a Republican--it is nothing more than a politically motivated witch 
hunt. That is a shame, and it has to stop.
  I hope that is one thing that comes out of this effort by this 
district attorney, who unsuccessfully a couple of times started a trial 
and today finally gave up.
  I had the opportunity of speaking with Senator Hutchison about an 
hour ago. Obviously, she is elated, and should be, and feels she has 
been exonerated, as she has, and vindicated, as she has. And I know she 
looks forward to returning to the Senate when we come back from the 
recess.
  I know I speak for all of my colleagues when I say we look forward to 
welcoming back this dedicated and talented public servant.
  Mr. WARNER addressed the Chair.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Virginia.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I commend our distinguished Republican 
leader. Our faith in our colleague from Texas never wavered a moment on 
this side of the aisle. Indeed, I think that sentiment was shared by 
many on the other side of the aisle. This woman in many respects has a 
badge of courage and firmness that I wish more of us had.
  Mr. President, I would like now to be recognized as if in morning 
business.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator is recognized for up to 
10 minutes.

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