TJ Cox: “In allocating 2 hours for debate on a resolution authorizing an inquiry of impeachment, the Congress is adhering to…”

“In allocating 2 hours for debate on a resolution authorizing an inquiry of impeachment, the Congress is adhering to precedent, the precedents established by the House of Representatives when it was under Democratic control. It is in fact doubling the amount of time that was spent in debate on the identical resolution in February, 1974. Likewise, the wording of the resolution adheres directly to precedent. The minority argues today that an impeachment inquiry should be narrowly limited to the evidence we already know, but on February 6, 1974, when the Democrats were in the majority, Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Rodino stated: 'To be locked into . . . a date (for completion of the inquiry) would be totally irresponsible and unwise.' The inquiry, he said, must be 'thorough, so that we can make a fair and responsible judgment.' The resolution does, as it must, follow precedent. We, in undertaking this solemn constitutional duty, must follow precedent. A vote for the resolution is a vote for a fair, full, and complete inquiry today, just as in 1974.”