James Rogan: “I want to say, as a Republican, that as we begin this procedure, I start with the presumption that the President is…”

“I want to say, as a Republican, that as we begin this procedure, I start with the presumption that the President is deemed innocent of any allegation of wrongdoing unless and until the contrary is shown. Every reasonable inference that can be given to the President must be given to the President. It is unfortunate that some of today's rhetoric would suggest that this resolution seeks nothing more than to have a carte blanche opportunity for Congress to inquire into the President's personal lifestyle. Nothing could be further from the truth. However, it is our purpose, it is our legal obligation, to review any president's potentially constitutional misconduct within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law. When serious and credible allegations have been raised against any president, the Constitution obliges us to determine whether such conduct violated that President's obligation to faithfully execute the law. We must make this determination, or else forever sacrifice our heritage that no person is above the law.”