Patrick Leahy: “no matter how each of us viewed the evidence in this case and no matter how each of us voted, we all share common relief…”

“no matter how each of us viewed the evidence in this case and no matter how each of us voted, we all share common relief that the impeachment trial of William Jefferson Clinton is concluding. In many respects, this was uncharted territory for us. We all felt the weight of history and precedent as we made our decisions on how to proceed. With this in mind, the procedures developed and followed for the three depositions taken during the course of this trial should be made a part of the record of this impeachment trial. Unfortunately, the complete depositions were not introduced into evidence and made a part of the Senate trial record until after the vote on the Articles themselves. Instead, at the request of the House Managers, the only parts introduced into evidence before then were those "from the point that each witness is sworn to testify under oath to the end of any direct response to the last question posed by a party." I served as one of the six Presiding Officers at the depositions and attended all of them. In particular, I wish to thank Senators Dodd and Edwards for serving with me, and Senator DeWine with whom I jointly presided. The decisions made during those depositions may provide guidance in the future should any other Senate be confronted with challenges similar to those that we have confronted.”