Bill Delahunt: “I too come to extend the olive branch, and I am deeply saddened by the events of today. The American people have made it…”

“I too come to extend the olive branch, and I am deeply saddened by the events of today. The American people have made it clear that their desire is for us to censure the President and move on to the Nation's business. It is wrong that there has been a decision made by the Republican leadership that would not allow censure to come to the floor. Whether my colleagues agree with censure or not, I submit it is their obligation to do so. They say that censure is unconstitutional, but most historians and constitutional scholars disagree with them. The founder of their party, Abraham Lincoln, supported a censure of President Polk. Congress actually did censure President Andrew Jackson. Earlier this session, the majority whip, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) introduced a resolution censuring President Clinton. They have told us over again that this is a vote of conscience. But what about the consciences of Democrat Members? And what about the will of the people? Mr. Speaker, I fear that we will do a terrible disservice for the Constitution and to our country.”