Benjamin Gilman: “I share the outrage and disappointment expressed by my constituents. However, the President's actions violated our…”

“I share the outrage and disappointment expressed by my constituents. However, the President's actions violated our Nation's trust. The debate is no more about sex than the Watergate debate was about a third-rate burglary. This is a difficult decision for all of us, probably the most difficult of my tenure in the Congress. I thank my constituents who shared their views. While none of us should minimize the gravity of this impeachment process, we must bear in mind that the House does not have the final word in determining whether any official should be removed from office. Referral of this issue to the Senate is not removal, but merely a finding of probable cause that a removeable offense may have occurred. Having fully considered the facts before us, reluctantly I have come to the conclusion that probable cause exists. Accordingly, I shall be voting in favor of at least one of the articles of impeachment. In closing, I note that though I support the articles of impeachment, I am not convinced that the President should be removed. In fact, that decision can only be made after a fair trial in the other body.”