Lynn C. Woolsey: “I stand in opposition to the Hyde resolution and in support of the Democratic alternative. As a woman and a Democrat, I…”

“I stand in opposition to the Hyde resolution and in support of the Democratic alternative. As a woman and a Democrat, I am embarrassed by the President's conduct. What he did was wrong. The very idea of considering impeaching a duly-elected President and removing him from office is one of the most serious and weighty tasks of the U.S. Congress. Since the Independent Counsel's report was delivered to the steps of Capitol Hill, I have thoroughly and carefully reviewed the allegations. But since that day, I have also seen important constitutional questions answered with partisanship, compromise destroyed by politics, and legal discussions replaced by political attacks. The Republican leadership has allowed desire for political gain to distort this investigation, with little regard for the harm done to American families. The mudslinging and dirt digging has gone too far and lasted too long. It has hurt our country, damaged this Congress, and harmed our families. We should be focusing on education, Social Security, and health care. Our nation cannot endure an inquiry that goes on month after month with no direction and no end in sight. Before we jump in head first, we need an exit strategy. That is why I will vote against the Republican resolution. With no limits and no guidelines, the Republican resolution gives the majority party carte-blanche to do still more dirt digging, more snooping, and more probing into personal lives and intimate details.”