We replace the unfit officer of one party with a proper one from the same party. Many of my colleagues do not dispute the facts presented at the trial and agree that the behavior of the President has been not only despicable but unlawful. I disagree with my colleagues who say that although the President committed a crime, he should not be removed from office because the penalty is too high. The Senate trial is unlike a regular court of law with two phases - conviction then a move to sentencing. This Senate trial has only one phase.
Conviction automatically requires a removal.
The trial conducted by the Senate was fair to all parties, true to the Constitution and expeditious in accordance with the wishes of the American people who want the Congress to move on. I am confident that history will judge the trial as proper and fair and will realize the actions of the Senate helped guide our nation safely through this trial. This will surely be the most difficult vote of my career in voting to remove the President who has brought disrepute on the office of the Presidency. I am mindful of the sentiments of President Lincoln when addressing Union troops in 1864. I am living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father's child has.