WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, October 5) -- Here is a sampling of lawmakers' comments from Monday's session of the House Judiciary Committee, as it began deliberations on a proposed impeachment inquiry:

"Today, it is our responsibility and our constitutional duty to review those materials referred to us and recommended to the House of Representatives whether the matter merits a further inquiry. Let me be clear about this: we are not here today to decide whether or not to impeach Mr. Clinton. We are not here to pass judgment on anyone." -- Rep. Henry J. Hyde (R-IIllinois), chairman.

"We are constantly reminded how weary America is of this whole situation, and I dare say, most of us share that weariness." -- Rep. Hyde.

"The twentieth century has been referred to often as 'the American century.' It is imperative we be able to look back at this episode with dignity and pride knowing we have performed our duty in the best interests of the entire country." -- Rep. Hyde.

"This is not Watergate; it is an extra-marital affair." -- Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan).

"Even worse than an extra-marital affair is the use of federal prosecutors and federal agents to expose an extra-martial relationship. Yes, there is a threat to society here but it is from the tactics from a 'win-at-all-costs' prosecutor determined to sink a president of the opposition party." -- Rep. Conyers.

"Now I believe that American people have a deep sense of right and wrong, of fairness and privacy. And I believe these investigations have offended those sensibilities." -- Rep. Conyers.

"What is the difference between lies about an affair to friends and family and those made under oath during legal proceedings? Plenty." -- Rep. James Sesenbrenner (R-Wisconsin).

"The president holds a public office we rightly regard as the most powerful in the world. The president serves as a role model for us and for our children. He influences the lives of millions of people. That is why no president should tarnish our values and ideals." -- Rep. Lamar S. Smith (R-Texas).

"The outcome of this inquiry can be a public reaffirmation of core values: honesty, respect, responsibility. As we go forward, we do so not as partisans, but as fact-finders and truth-seekers. And it is my hope that we go forward together -- the American people and their representatives in Congress -- united in our love of country and in our desire to seek a wise and just result for all." -- Rep. Smith.

"The question is whether the truth matters. And there are some who seem to be saying that the truth really doesn't matter." -- Rep. Bob Inglis (R-South Carolina).

"The power to impeach a president should not be casually used to remove a president and overturn an election simply because we don't like him or his policies. The constitution is on trial, and we hope that we will uphold the constitution and the civil rights of everybody involved." -- Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California).

"We are witnessing nothing less than symptoms of a cancer on the American presidency. If we fail to remove it, it will expand to destroy the principles that matter most to all of us." -- Rep. Bob Barr (R-Georgia).

"The president had an affair. He lied about it. He didn't want anyone to know about it. Does anyone reasonably believe that this amounts to subversion of government? Does anyone reasonably believe that this is what the Founding Fathers were talking about? For more than 200 years since that convention in Philadelphia, Congress has never, never removed a president from office. Is this where we want to set the bar for future presidents? I plead with this committee to end this nonsense. We have real work to do for the people who sent us." -- Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Florida).

"The Constitution gives us a standard to follow. We cannot define impeachable offenses to a greater degree than the language of the Constitution. But we all agree the issue is the public trust. Our duty is not to punish anyone. And our challenge is to avoid pettiness." -- Rep. Asa Hutchinson (R-Arkansas).

"Is this Watergate or Peyton Place? I don't know." -- Rep. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina).

"People hope to point to the White House with pride. We believe that presidents told the truth and set an example through their actions. We parents want our children to respect and admire our president and our leaders. It is as simple as the old story of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree." -- Rep. Mary Bono (R-California).

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