Elton Gallegly

The following is statement made by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) on House floor in support of impeachment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This has been a very trying time, for all of us, for the president and for the country. But there are few things more important than standing up for the Constitution of the United States and the rule of law.

There are three points I will make this morning in support of Articles of Impeachment.

First, I am a member of the Judiciary Committee. And, based on months of review, it is clear to me that President Clinton repeatedly lied under oath, intentionally and willfully, during a civil deposition and before the federal grand jury.

He also attacked the integrity of Congress by lying under oath in response to the 81 questions submitted by the Judiciary Committee.

Our legal system, which protects the rights and liberties of all citizens, is dependent on telling the truth under oath. The president is our chief law enforcement officer and our chief magistrate. When he lies under oath, he undermines the integrity of our judicial system and threatens the rights and liberties of every one of us.

Second, lying under oath, after swearing before God and country to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, is--and my fellow members, I believe I know what “is” is--is an impeachable rule of law. By lying under oath, President Clinton also violated his presidential oath of office.

Third, this is not about sex. It’s about the rule of law. It’s about lying under oath before a federal judge and a federal grand jury. Every citizen must obey the law, period.

A society without laws is anarchy. Societies that ignore their laws are condemned to violence and chaos.

We must state directly and strongly that the integrity of the judicial branch must not be violated. We must make it clear that all Americans are equal under the law. After much painful soul-searching, I’ve reached the conclusion that impeaching the president for repeatedly and willfully lying under oath is necessary to protect the rule of law, which is the foundation of our republic.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back.