[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   AUTHORIZING THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER 
   SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF WILLIAM JEFFERSON 
                CLINTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. VITO FOSSELLA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to support this resolution. I say this not as a Republican, not as a 
New Yorker, but as a person who loves this great country and all it 
represents.
  Earlier today, the gentleman from New York, Mr. Nadler, stated in 
essence: ``This matter will be the most divisive issue this nation has 
faced since Vietnam. While I do not question the gentleman from New 
York's belief that he believes this to be true, I do take exception to 
the comparison and respectfully disagree. Here is why--during the 
Vietnam War, as has been the case with every war or military conflict 
since our Nation's birth, men and women were sent overseas with a 
willingness to die for freedom, liberty and to defend the rule of law. 
In the case before us, the President of the United States has been 
charged with violating the rule of law that so many Americans have died 
for and are still willing to die for at a moment's notice all over the 
globe. The same rule of law that we must ensure applies equally to 
every single American, including the President of the United States.
  This matter goes to the very heart and soul of what America is all 
about. This matter will determine whether we defend the Constitution, 
or destroy it. I hope and pray that each distinguished Member of this 
body places America first and that each Member sees through the clouds 
of rhetoric to uphold the rule of law.
  It is the rule of law that unifies this country. It is the rule of 
law that allows each American the opportunity to enjoy and to pursue 
what our Founding Fathers and every generation of Americans since have 
always hoped for--that each American be entitled to life, liberty, and 
the pursuit of happiness. If we, indeed, cherish the notions of 
personal freedom and individual liberty granted to every single 
American, then we will seek to vindicate the rule of law and proceed 
with this matter with all deliberate speed and an unbreakable bond with 
each other toward fairness, equity and justice for each party involved, 
including the President of the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, too many Americans have died to defend these principles 
we hold so sacred. Too many generations of Americans have given so much 
to wish reluctantly that this matter just disappear. Just as important, 
Mr. Speaker, with the Almighty blessing, generations of Americans yet 
unborn will look back to this day and claim this to be one of America's 
finest hours, not as a sideshow that some are trying to depict this as.
  Each Member of this body still must maintain an obligation and 
responsibility to be bound to our oath of office. The same oath of 
office voluntarily taken by the President of the United States. 
Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution.

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