Henry Hyde
The Public Record
I ask my fellow colleagues, is this a high crime or just an act which lacks moral judgement?
the gentleman from Florida, a member of the minority said earlier, our decision is not about Bill Clinton, it is not about personalities, it is not about partisanship, it is not about Republicans or Democrats.
I believed the allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice were serious and credible.
I think the best way for the country to move beyond this sad affair is for Congress to have some sort of formal declaration of disapproval of the President's conduct.
I believe it must be done fully beyond a doubt and without rancor or vengeance--complying with every woven thread of the Constitution.
I believe that the case that has been brought against the President has not been proven by the Committee on the Judiciary.
I believe they do, and the Constitution directs Congress to make that determination.
I believe the President violated the laws and beliefs he swore to uphold instead of following the law, respecting American people's values and honoring his office.
I suggest it is a misreading of the Constitution, for any member here to assert that for a member to vote for an article of impeachment means that the member must be convinced that the President should be removed from office.
I urge this Congress to immediately censure the President, begin the process to heal the breach of trust that engulfs us.
I urge Members to step outside the passion of their convictions and think about our obligations to the Constitution, to our constituents and the American people before we cast this vote.
I believe the division between Members supporting impeachment and those supporting censure is about much more than partisan politics.
Impeachment is a special punishment reserved for the President and other federal civil officers. The Founders set an incredibly high bar for impeachment: At the time of the Constitutional Convention, High Crimes and Misdemeanors
I believe their plan will inflame partisanship, and if prolonged, weaken the institution of the presidency and this country.





