Doris Matsui: “I rise to oppose all four articles of impeachment. The articles allege conduct on the part of the President that is…”

“I rise to oppose all four articles of impeachment. The articles allege conduct on the part of the President that is undeniably distasteful and unbecoming of our Executive. The conduct alleged, however, does not rise to the high standards of impeachment spelled out in Art. II, Sec. 4 of the Constitution--``Treason, Bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.'' This standard, as evidenced through records from the Framers, history, and precedents, clearly describe only offenses against our Constitutional system of Government. I wish to be clear that for purposes of evaluating the impeachability of the allegations against the President, I have assumed they are accurately characterized by the proponents of today's proceedings. It is important to remember, however, that none of the material and information contained in the referral from the Office of Independent Counsel (OIC)--much of it inadmissible hearsay evidence--has been subject to any sort of cross-examination. Our Government is not a parliamentary system. The President does not serve at the pleasure of the Legislature.”