[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 145 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2154]
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. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the 
Republican's Impeachment Inquiry Resolution.
  Like so many Americans, I personally am disappointed by the 
President's conduct. The President demonstrated an extraordinary lack 
of judgment and respect for his family, the Presidency, and the 
American people.
  The President's actions were wrong. But, as many Americans have 
indicated, they hardly warrant impeachment.
  In pursuing their partisan attack on the President, Republicans are 
trivializing the impeachment standard. It is an insult to the 
traditions of this Chamber that the majority party allowed only two 
hours of debate on such a critically important matter as impeaching the 
President of the United States.
  The power to impeach and remove a sitting President from office is 
one of the most important Constitutional responsibilities our Founding 
Fathers assigned to Congress. In the more than 200 years of our 
nation's history, the House has faced this weighty decision only twice. 
As elected officials we cannot take this matter lightly. To do so would 
degrade and undermine our judicial system and the U.S. Constitution.
  And what about the Americans who voted to elect the President? While 
many Americans are unhappy with the President's actions, they are even 
more unhappy with the way the House is handling the matter. Many of my 
constituents--both Democrats and Republicans--have written to tell me 
that they are sick of this issue, do not appreciate the constant 
barrage of graphic details and want the President and Congress to do 
the work they were elected to do.
  I couldn't agree more. Americans are far more interested in the 
status of our economy, reforming health care, reducing crime, improving 
our schools and preserving Social Security than the President's 
personal improprieties.
  Does Congress have a duty to fully investigate any actual wrongdoings 
by the President? Of course. But this investigation must be based on 
facts, not politics.
  I urge a no vote on the resolution.