Senator Byrd To Move For Impeachment Trial To Be Dismissed
January 22, 1999
This is the text of a statement issued by West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd (Democrat) on Friday 22 January during the question stage of the trial:
I have met with the Senate Republican and Democratic Leaders to inform
them that I plan to offer a motion to dismiss the charges and end this
impeachment trial.
In the agreement entered into between Republican and
Democratic Senators a few days ago, provision was made for a motion to
dismiss that could come as early as the beginning as next week. I plan
to make this motion not because I believe that the President did no
wrong. In fact, I think he has caused his family, his friends, and this
nation great pain. I believe that he has weakened the already fragile
public trust that has been placed in his care. But I am convinced that
the necessary two-thirds for conviction are not there and that they are
not likely to develop.
I have also become convinced that lengthening
this trial will only prolong and deepen the divisive, bitter, and
polarizing effect that this sorry affair has visited upon our nation. I
am well acquainted with the charges and the evidence. I do not believe
that witnesses will add anything of consequence to this process, but, to
the contrary, they will only foster more of the same hallway press
conferences and battle of press releases that are contributing to the
division of our parties and our nation.
I have heard the public, and
while it is clear that there is a great rift of public opinion on this
matter, there is also a consensus that the nation is sorely in need of
leadership and healing. Pressing issues are facing this nation -- issues
including social security, education, health care, jobs, and national
security. Given the importance of these matters, I see a motion to
dismiss as the best was to promptly end this sad and sorry time for our
country. It is necessary that we begin now the process of healing and
reconciling the differences caused by these events and address together
the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing our nation.
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