Response from Senator Murray

Dear Mr. Brineman:

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 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, up until this point, 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.  In the upcoming 110th Congress, I look forward to restoring that
accountability with the incoming Democratic majority. 

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