On the recordDecember 2, 2010
I fully recognize that constitutionally this body has the full jurisdiction to determine the conduct of one of its Members. My predecessor suffered because they didn't allow him to be a Member before they decided that he should be expelled. But notwithstanding that, we do know that we are a political body; and even though it is painful to accept this vote, I am fully aware that this vote reflects perhaps the thinking not just of the Members but the political tide and the constituency of this body. Having said that and having my opportunity to do what I wanted to do initially, and, that is, to make certain that this body and this country would know that at no time has it ever entered my mind to enrich myself or to do violence to the honesty that's expected of all of us in this House. I think that has been proven, and that has been what I have been asking for. That's why I have admitted to mistakes and was prepared to do what I have done. I understand that this is a new criteria and a breakthrough in order to teach somebody a higher lesson than those that in the past have done far more harm to the reputation of this body than I. But I just would want all of you to know that, in my heart, I truly feel good. It's not all the commitments that I made to God in 1950. A lot of it has to do with the fact that I know in my heart that I am not going to be judged by this Congress, but I am going to be judged by my life, my activities, my contributions to society.
