Richard K. Armey: “I believe the Nation has fully well understood the schedule that was prepared for this week and announced for this week.…”

“I believe the Nation has fully well understood the schedule that was prepared for this week and announced for this week. The President certainly must have known about this. The President must have weighed that. Indeed, I think, by press reports, it is clear that he did weigh that matter as he made the decision to engage in this effort in Iraq. When he made that decision, knowing full well that this debate might be happening at this time, he very likely addressed in his own mind the question: Can I effectively complete this mission under those circumstances? Indeed, he must clearly have concluded he can; and perhaps that is why he felt so confident this morning when asked in the Oval Office: 'Would it undercut your authority if the House opens the impeachment debate during this operation?' The President replied, 'No. I think that, first of all, I am going to complete this mission.' He clearly understands that, as the Commander in Chief and the President of the United States, he has the ability to complete his mission. He clearly understands that we, too, have our ability to complete our mission.”