John Mica: “today is a difficult day for both the Congress and the country. I truly believe that if we could search the hearts and…”

“today is a difficult day for both the Congress and the country. I truly believe that if we could search the hearts and souls of every Member of Congress, that none of us would like to undertake the impeachment of any President of the United States. We are not here today because of the single action of any one individual except the President, William Jefferson Clinton. We are here because nearly every Member of the House of Representatives voted to conduct an impeachment inquiry of this President. We are here because this Constitution requires us to do our job and faithfully adhere to its principles and our laws. Every Member of Congress knows exactly why we are here. We are here today because the President of the United States committed offenses that leave us only to debate the question of an appropriate punishment. The majority members of the Committee on the Judiciary and its distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) in my opinion have presented a very clear and factual documentation of acts by this President that to me constitute impeachable offenses. Today the action required again by this Constitution in fact defines the very essence of our Constitution, that under our system all men and women are treated equally under the law. That means if you commit perjury or obstruct justice, you will be held accountable. If you are a Member of Congress or President of the United States, you will be held accountable.”