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January 1999

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"The two votes taken in the Senate yesterday made clear that with 44 Democrats strongly in favor of dismissing the case, and resolutely against calling witnesses, the Republican majority possesses the power to press this case forward, but will never have the votes to remove the President from office. Given those facts, many rightly believed that an expeditious and bipartisan end to this impeachment trial should be found. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans voted for a procedure today which fails at each essential point to accomplish the goal, which most Americans and most Minnesotans seek, of bringing closure to the impeachment trial of the President."

"Today's Republican resolution, which was adopted by the Republican majority, is unacceptable and shows utter disregard for the earnest desire of the American people on this matter. The resolution claims to set an ending date for next Friday, February 12, but leaves open numerous loopholes that will lead to a prolonged process. The Republican resolution also would permit what is clearly an unconstitutional motion to have the Senate vote on specific "findings of fact" instead of the only constitutionally appropriate decision of an up-or-down final vote on the articles of impeachment. Such a procedure would turn this proceeding into a criminal trial without the kinds of rules that usually accompany such a trial."

"It was a profound mistake for the Republican majority to opt today for procedures which jettison fairness, dignity and expedition. I voted to go immediately to a final vote on the articles of impeachment, but unfortunately that vote was defeated. Along with the people of Minnesota, I had hoped for a bipartisan agreement that would have been fair and would have brought this trial to an end as quickly as possible. I am truly saddened that the Senate has failed to finish this partisan spectacle at the expense of getting on with the people's business. I will continue to use every opportunity I have to bring this trial to an end."

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