[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 26 (Friday, February 12, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HEALING OF THE NATION

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to indulge me just a few 
words.
  It is a privilege for me to stand in for our distinguished leader, 
Mr. Lott. And my remarks also reflect on the outstanding performance 
not only by Leader Lott but Leader Daschle on this historic day of the 
Senate. Mr. President, I have just returned, as have most Senators, 
from responding to many requests by the media on the grounds of the 
U.S. Capitol. I have said that the verdict is in. It has been given by 
the Senate. It is now before the Nation and they will be the final 
jury, the final arbiter. The sovereignty of this country rests not in 
the high office holders, but it is in the hands of the people. It is 
for them to decide.
  As they approach the decision, I humbly submit to them: Let us put 
this chapter in our history, tragic though it may be, behind us, and 
that we heal ourselves and unite and go forward.
  This is a great and strong nation. It is a leader of the world, not 
only in matters of security for ourselves but security for others, not 
only in matters of military security but in matters of economic 
security. Our President, by his own actions, is a weakened President. 
That strength which for a while he can no longer give to the Nation 
must be filled in by the people--individually and collectively. I think 
we should not spend time dwelling on the past. Leave it to the 
historians. Let us move forward to the future, heal ourselves, 
strengthen our Nation, so we can resume as a leader in the world. And 
may God rest his hand on this Senate and its verdict as being the best 
for the Nation and for our people.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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