Charles W. Stenholm: “I rise in support of and encourage bipartisan support of both the motion to recommit and final passage. In spite of the…”

“I rise in support of and encourage bipartisan support of both the motion to recommit and final passage. In spite of the countless words which already have been spoken and written about the vote before us today, I feel compelled to clarify what this vote is and what it is not. First, this is not a vote about guilt or innocence, primarily of President Clinton or, as some have recommended, of Kenneth Starr. While Members cannot be expected to be void of personal opinion, I believe those who already have made public declarations of guilt or innocence in this case have been both premature and negligent in their constitutional responsibilities. Second, this is not a vote about punishment or the specific punishment of impeachment. Unfortunately, the media frenzy about this action has confused many citizens who believe the House is voting today for or against impeachment. We are not. At this point, it is entirely unpredictable what the ultimate outcome of this process will be. What is clear is that the Constitutional standard of impeachable offenses is a high and serious one. Third, this vote is not about the election coming up in less than four weeks.”