Washington, D.C.--"I am not looking forward to the disheartening responsibility of personally investigating whether President Clinton is guilty of high crimes or misdemeanors. However, it is my responsibility and I am relieved, at least, that for the health of this nation, we are taking the first solid step down the path of resolving a very painful period in American history.

Members of both parties in leadership positions have indicated they are ready to work together in leading the House through this process. I am not yet sure what will and will not be made public to the American people and what, for that matter, will be made accessible to me as I am not a member of the House Judiciary Committee.

However, I do know--and I assure you--that when the time comes for my participation in this process, I plan to act in accordance to the pledge I made to uphold the ideals of the U.S. Constitution as a Representative of the citizens of the Sixth District of Oklahoma.

I am truly saddened that my tenure in Congress will be marked by the occurrence of an episode in American history such as this, but it is my hope that we will move through this expediently. It is time to steer our country out of the turmoil that has been forced upon us by our Chief Executive and genuinely get back to the business of our nation.