Frank Lautenberg: “Mr. Chief Justice, the Senate must now fulfill a weighty and solemn duty. For only the second time in the more than two…”

“Mr. Chief Justice, the Senate must now fulfill a weighty and solemn duty. For only the second time in the more than two hundred years since our founding fathers established the Constitution, we must vote on Articles of Impeachment against a President. When considering this issue, which goes to our core constitutional responsibilities as Senators, each of us must come to a conclusion based on his or her conscience. Guided by the Constitution, we must bring all of our moral beliefs, our education, our careers, and our experiences as public servants to the question. And we must try to reach a decision that will serve the best interests of the nation for generations to come. As I reflect on the impeachment proceedings, I think first of the range of emotions I have felt. From the moment I realized that the President had engaged in this shameful relationship, I have struggled with my thoughts. I was angry, of course. I was ashamed for the President, a talented man--someone I consider a friend. How could he risk so much with his disgraceful behavior? And I was saddened. I do not know how the President will reconcile himself to his family. I could imagine the embarrassment and the humiliation of the First Lady and his daughter Chelsea. I pitied them as they felt the searing glow of the public spotlight. I am sure that colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, have empathized with similar emotions. But now we must put those feelings aside.…”