Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974 Jack Brooks Statement
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974 Jack Brooks Statement
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974 - Representative Jack Brooks (D - Texas) Statement Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974 Jack Brooks Statement
Chairman Peter Rodino (D - New Jersey). I recognize for the purposes of general debate only the gentlemen from Texas, Mr. Brooks, not to exceed fifteen minutes. Representative Jack Brooks (D - Texas). Thank you Mr. Chairman. This committee has heard evidence of governmental corruption unequalled in the history of the United States. The cover up of crimes, obstructing the prosecution of criminals, surreptitious entries, wire tapping for political purposes, suspension of the civil liberties of every American, tax violations, and personal enrichment at public expense, bribery and blackmail, flagrant misuse of the FBI, the CIA, and the IRS. Eighteen individuals have been convicted or pleaded guilty and six have been indicted for criminal activities directly related to Mr. Nixon s reelection efforts or activities which originated within the White House. These individuals are not obscure government officials but include cabinet officers, personal assistants, and the closest personal advisors to Richard Nixon.
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974 Jack Brooks Statement
Never in our hundred and ninety-eight years have we had evidence of such rampant corruption in government. We must decide whether this corruption attached to the President, whether there is evidence that the President by his actions or inaction failed in his constitutional responsibility to faithfully execute the law. We on the committee, both Republicans and Democrats, have taken our constitutional responsibility most seriously and have pursued the facts often without the cooperation of those possessing information and at times, in the face of planned efforts to mislead and divert us from the truth. It is our constitutional duty to determine whether there is sufficient cause to bring Richard Nixon before the United States Senate for trial and removal from office.
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974 Jack Brooks Statement
In resolving this issue, we should put aside that legalistic jargon of our profession; present to the American people in plain language our best judgments as to whether there is evidence that Richard Nixon has brought disgrace and disrespect to the office of the President. We must immediately put to rest the argument that the corruption we have witnessed in the last five years is only an extension of what is always been done. I do not share this view or the view of those that hold that all Presidents have lied, broken the law and compromised the Constitution. And if George Washington accepted bribes, it would not make bribery a virtue nor would it be grounds for overlooking such acts by his successors.
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 24, 1974 Jack Brooks Statement
There is no political gain for anyone or any political party in this proceeding. If ever there was a time to put aside partisanship, now is that time. There would be no Democratic gains from removing a Republican President and having him replaced by another Republican, who represent and might well receive a great outpouring of support from our people. We must now report to the House of Representatives and the American people our conclusions as to whether there is sufficient evidence that Richard Nixon, while serving as President, has violated his oath of office and has thereby jeopardized our constitutional system of government. This is not a pleasant duty, but it is our constitutional duty. Its performance may mean ignoring personal and political relationships of long standing. We, as well as the President, are on trial for how faithfully we fulfill our constitutional responsibilities. I want to thank the Chairman for recognizing me in the interest of expediting this resolution of this very difficult problem. You have the remainder of my time.