Steny Hoyer: “today we confront one of our most solemn responsibilities as Members of Congress, that of the question of impeachment of…”

“today we confront one of our most solemn responsibilities as Members of Congress, that of the question of impeachment of a President of the United States. In doing so, we consider embarking upon a task of the gravest consequence in democracy: the removal of the elected leader of our Nation by other than electoral process. We have considered this course on only two other occasions in the 209 year history of our Constitution and Government. It is plain that we should proceed judiciously and fairly in carrying out this duty. Today's vote is how we should undertake this task. There are two proposals: The Republican proposal suggests that we authorize the Judiciary Committee to pursue an open ended investigation, consider all things that the Committee majority deems relevant for such time as that inquiry might take. The Democratic proposal provides for the Judiciary Committee to pursue an analysis of the facts referred by the Independent Counsel and the law and to make such recommendations to the House as it deems appropriate after such review. I shall vote for the Democratic proposal and against the Republican one. My constituents should know why. First, I believe the President's conduct and public representations merit the disdain and deep disappointment, and, yes, even anger, of the American people.…”