[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 119 (Thursday, September 10, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H7498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN SUPPORT OF PAUL McHALE

  (Mr. BUYER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a Republican in strong 
support of my Democrat colleague, my fellow veteran and my friend, the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McHale). I rise to defend the 
gentleman because as an individual who admires the virtues of honor, 
courage and commitment wherever they are found, in Congressman Paul 
McHale they are found in abundance.
  Last month, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McHale) called for 
the President's resignation stating that, ``perjury is not excused by 
an apology compelled by overwhelming evidence and delivered under 
pressure.''
  The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McHale) has served this country 
in uniform as a Marine and as public servant. He is a man of honor, 
courage and commitment who has stood fast to his convictions.
  These convictions have led the gentleman from Pennsylvania to examine 
the course of conduct by the President and to reach a somber 
conclusion. As a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, I, like 
others in this body perhaps are still examining, soul searching and 
analyzing the case, and that is also appropriate. However, what is 
reprehensible is the vilification to which Congressman McHale has been 
subject for exercising his First Amendment rights and voicing the views 
of his constituents.
  The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McHale) has had his military 
record slandered. Rumors and innuendos have been whispered about his 
reputation. All of this White House mudslinging, because Congressman 
McHale has put honor above party loyalty.
  These are times when every ounce of wisdom and courage will be 
required by all. It is not a time for smears on character when voices 
of conscience are raised.
  I admire the honor, courage and commitment of Congressman McHale. To 
the President, order and stop these character assassinations by your 
staff and the defense team.

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