Sheila Jackson Lee: “I was speaking to one of our colleagues who indicated that he held a town hall meeting where he was explaining, as a…”

“I was speaking to one of our colleagues who indicated that he held a town hall meeting where he was explaining, as a civics matter, the Constitution of the United States and the role of the United States Congress in holding the executive accountable. He said his constituents relished the opportunity to understand the process. I am going to remind our colleagues that any time we move toward a process that is constitutionally based, it is somber and respectful, detailed and efficient. So I want to read from Article I, Section 2, Clause 5, which indicates that the House of Representatives ``shall have the sole power of impeachment.'' Article II states that the President ``shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.'' Article II also requires that the President ``take care that the laws be faithfully executed.'' With that in mind, I believe it is important that this Congress recognizes its duty to work in an efficient manner; that all committees work and investigate, and all committees do their work in a somber manner; and that we continue to educate our constituents about the value of the Constitution, the beauty of this Nation, and the rule of law. That would mean that we are doing our job as Members of the United States Congress. The Constitution governs the order of our nation and it dictates the work of the Congress.…”