Patrick Leahy: “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States'' and ``to bear truth fair and allegiance'' to our founding…”

“to support and defend the Constitution of the United States'' and ``to bear truth fair and allegiance'' to our founding principles and law, not to a particular political party or to a President. I pointed out to Ms. Taylor that the oath I have been privileged to take as a U.S. Senator is likewise to the Constitution. I proudly represent the people of Vermont. I know it is a privilege to serve as a temporary steward of the Constitution and the values and protections for the rights and liberties of the American people that it embodies. My oath is not to a political party and not even to the great institution of the U.S. Senate but to the Constitution and the rule of law. As a former prosecutor, I feel strongly that independent law enforcement is an essential component of our democratic government, and that no one is above the law. Despite the constitutional duty of all members of the executive branch to ``take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed,'' the message from this White House is that the President, Vice President, and their loyal aides are above the law. No check. No balance. No accountability. The law says otherwise.”