[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 6, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8-S9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A SENSE OF HOPE AND OPTIMISM

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, for those of us granted the rare 
privilege of representing our citizens as United States Senators, the 
convening of a new Congress is a moment filled with hope and optimism. 
I know this is a sentiment shared by my colleagues who have served here 
together for many years; I am equally certain it is a feeling in the 
heart of every new member whom we welcome into the Chamber today.
  We all choose to enter public service in the belief that small 
differences made every day somehow contribute in large measure to the 
betterment of our national life. For me, this has always been a day 
that represented great promise and potential.
  And despite the difficult circumstances that confront us on the first 
day of the 106th Congress, I choose to face the grim task of the 
impeachment proceedings with a sense of hope and optimism, too.
  It is my sincere hope that we can continue to be guided in the Senate 
by a completely nonpartisan approach to our responsibilities--and I 
pledge the cooperation of the entire Democratic caucus in that effort. 
We remain optimistic that Republicans and Democrats in the Senate can 
come together on a sensible plan that adheres to the principles of 
fairness, expedition and due process.
  The promise of bipartisan consensus is within our grasp. If we 
succeed in coming to closure on an acceptable resolution to govern 
these proceedings, then we have the potential for not only ending this 
unfortunate episode, but for laying a foundation for rebuilding a 
working coalition to address the critical policy issues that so demand 
our absolute attention.
  But to complete the work at hand, we must first set some things 
aside. We must set aside our partisan instincts. We should reject any 
notion of political advantage in this process, and act solely in the 
national interest.
  We must set aside feelings of grave disappointment and anger directed 
at the President for his actions. We must also set aside the resentment 
many feel over the manner and method of the long investigation that 
begat these articles of impeachment.
  Regrettably, we must also set aside--until this matter is resolved--
important legislative work on matters like education, health care, 
Medicare and Social Security. This, in and of itself, should serve to 
motivate us to proceed with deliberate dispatch on these articles, 
accepting not even a day's delay in the coming trial.
  And finally, we should set aside the rancor and recriminations that 
have marked these sad deliberations, and rise to a level of dignity and 
decency that will be judged favorably in history's long light.
  But we will not set aside our responsibility. We will not defer our 
duty.
  Make no mistake: Senate Democrats will follow the Constitution. We 
intend to abide by the Senate's procedures. We will respect past 
precedents. We will duly consider these articles. We will insist on 
fair treatment of the President. And we will hear the evidence 
presented by the House Republicans who have made these charges.
  But we should not put process ahead of progress in this matter. We 
must

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find a way to resolve this, and move forward.
  The United States Constitution is a document that continues to reveal 
an uncanny resiliency after two centuries. It's as if the framers found 
a formula to adapt to contingencies unseen; and to circumstances 
unknowable. Their wisdom in drafting the Impeachment clause affords us 
the opportunity to seize one of the options we are considering today. 
If we now simply apply some common sense, we will find common ground, 
and the result will be the common good.
  I have faith in the Senate, and faith in my colleagues, that we will 
do so.
  The Senate may never decisively resolve this maddening legal 
argument; but we must find a way to end this lingering national 
torment.
  As do all my colleagues, I love this country. And I care deeply for 
this institution, the Senate of the United States. I want to do right 
by both. Working together, Republican and Democrat, I think we can.
  Just as we have sworn an oath today to put the Nation's interests 
above all others, tomorrow when we are sworn as judge and juror, we 
must do the same. That will require absolute fairness, due process, 
deliberate speed, and a final resolution of these charges. The 
Democratic caucus is committed to each and every one of those goals, 
and is prepared to proceed immediately toward achieving them.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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