Senator Murray shares my frustrations with the Bush administration

Here is the text of Senator Murray's latest response to my request that she join forces with those calling for Bush's impeachment.

Dear Mr. Richardson:

Thank you for contacting me about the possibility of impeaching or censuring President Bush or other members of his Administration. I appreciate hearing from you.

As you know, Congress may remove the President, Vice President, and any Civil Officer of the United States from office through the impeachment process. According to the Constitution, the House of Representatives may impeach an official on charges of "Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors" (Article II, Section 4) to remove the individual from office. Only two sitting Presidents, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, have ever been impeached. No sitting President has been convicted and removed from office. Only one President – Andrew Jackson – has ever been censured, or rebuked, by the Senate. President Jackson’s censure was expunged from the Senate record three years later.

I share your concerns and frustrations with the Bush Administration. I too have significant concerns about the Administration’s policies and the rationale for many of their actions. I voted against invading Iraq because the Bush Administration failed to address a viable exit strategy or clearly define the mission’s objectives. I am deeply concerned with the Administration efforts prior to the invasion, and their conduct of the war since then. Additionally, I have grave concerns about the
recent admissions that the President authorized the National Security Agency to spy on U.S. citizens without a warrant. The American people deserve a full and open investigation into the Administration’s actions.

Oversight of the Administration is one of Congress’s vital roles. Unfortunately, the Republican majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate have conducted nearly no oversight, even routine, of this Administration. In the careful balance of power, I believe that Congress – as the legislative branch – has an obligation to conduct oversight on any executive, regardless of party. Congress must ensure that no abuse of power ever occurs, and that the American people continue to
benefit from the transparence of government.

Only through effective oversight can the House and the Senate determine whether the Administration’s actions have been appropriate, and I am deeply troubled by how few hearings have been held to examine these questions. I believe that the Congress must hold the Administration accountable for their actions and decisions.

Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can be of service in the future, please be in touch.

Sincerely,


Patty Murray
United States Senator

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Categories: Politics - National