[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2051-E2052]
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. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Hyde impeachment 
inquiry resolution. This is a sad day in the history of our Nation when 
the majority in Congress continues to search for an impeachable crime--
in its ongoing political mission--to destroy the President of the 
United States.
  While the American people do not condone the behavior of the 
President, they do want him to have a fair hearing. The excessive 
investigation of President Clinton has gone too far, and has gone on 
far too long.
  What is needed is a fair, common sense and responsible inquiry not a 
continuing witch hunt. The American people and the President and his 
family deserve better.
  So, Mr. Speaker, the matter at hand is not about whether to proceed 
with an impeachment inquiry. It is about how we should proceed. We must 
first consider the constitutional

[[Page E2052]]

standard for such. For the sake of the American people and the Clinton 
family, this inquiry must be done fairly and concluded quickly.
  I am concerned that the majority unilaterally announced at a recent 
news conference that they intended to ask for an inquiry of impeachment 
before considering the constitutional standard for the impeachment of a 
President. We must begin with a consideration of the constitutional 
standard for impeachment, a comparison of the allegations with the 
standard, and an examination of the sufficiency of the evidence, before 
any vote is taken on conducting formal inquiry proceedings.
  I firmly believe that we must rise above all partisan and political 
differences. Therefore, it is imperative that the Congress and the 
American people proceed with due caution and appropriate fairness to 
President Clinton and his family without allowing philosophical 
differences to divide us. President Clinton has led our country well, 
and like any other American citizen he has a right to due process.
  As such, whatever our personal beliefs may be, we must work together 
to ensure that President Clinton is not denied that right. That 
responsibility rests with each of us individually and collectively.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to oppose the Hyde impeachment 
inquiry resolution.

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