Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Cole for yielding. This impeachment process is a total sham. This resolution, which seeks to legitimize it, misleads the American public. Section 2 of this bill is titled, ``The Open and Transparent Investigative Proceedings by the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,'' but the process set forth in this resolution is far from open and far from transparent. In fact, it is the exact opposite. The resolution continues the closed-door meetings that blocks entry to Members of Congress and prohibits the President's due process rights. And it merely authorizes, but does not require, Chairman Schiff to make transcripts public. Last night Republicans offered 17 amendments to add some fairness into the process, but Democrats rejected them all. I had an amendment to ensure minority witnesses could call an equal number of witnesses as the majority. Democrats said no. I had an amendment to require the Intel chairman to turn over exculpatory materials to the Judiciary Committee. Democrats shot it down. I had an amendment to give ranking members the same authority as the chairman to submit materials to the Judiciary Committee. Democrats rejected that, too. The process set forth by this resolution violates basic standards of fairness. I urge opposition to this resolution. Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 10 seconds. The gentlewoman wants to talk about a sham process; let's talk about a sham process.…”