Cord Byrd: “I have recently read several articles in the press which are cause for concern. One such article appeared in the Sunday…”

“I have recently read several articles in the press which are cause for concern. One such article appeared in the Sunday, October 4, edition of the Washington Post, titled ``Bid to Trump Inquiry Shelved.'' The piece discussed White House efforts to produce a letter signed by at least 34 Democratic Senators declaring that they would not vote to convict the President, should the House decide to write articles of impeachment. According to the report, Minority Leader Tom Daschle has discouraged such an attempt. I commend the Democratic leader, Mr. Daschle, for his wise and judicious counsel on this matter. He has done the White House, he has done the President, he has done all Senators, and, indeed, the entire nation a great, great service. I am concerned about the ugly and very partisan tone that has enveloped many discussions of this matter, and about the extreme polarization which has already occurred. The House Judiciary Committee has voted to begin an impeachment inquiry. I have had nothing to say about that. I don't intend to have anything to say about that. This is the House's business. There is a constitutional process in place. That process has begun. The ball is in the field of the House of Representatives at this point. We here in the Senate should await the decision of the House of Representatives as to whether or not articles of impeachment will, indeed, be formulated.”