Debbie Dingell: “In the beginning I want to make two things clear. First I do not defend the President's actions in the Lewinsky matter.…”

“In the beginning I want to make two things clear. First I do not defend the President's actions in the Lewinsky matter. He says they are wrong, I agree. Second, the matter of the impeachment process must be conducted in a manner which is fair, expeditious, and completely open. Do these proceedings offered us in the Republican proposal meet these tests? Clearly, No. In less than one hour Democrats are supposed to be able to discuss questions which rank in Constitutional importance with the declaration of war--the impeachment of a President and setting aside a presidential election, in which the people chose their President is before us. We function under a gag rule. We are denied opportunity for the people to have this matter properly discussed in their Congress. In one hour Minority members are to discuss a great Constitutional question, impeachment of a President--unlimited time to be spent on an investigation, unlimited personnel to be deployed, no limits as to money to be spent, no limits on the breadth and sweep of the investigation. All to be done under a gag rule!”