The US House of Representatives has voted to impeach President Clinton. The legislators adopted the first and third articles of impeachment. The first article alleges President Clinton committed perjury during his testimony before independent counsel Kenneth Starr's grand jury in August during the Lewinsky scandal. The second is in relation to obstruction of justice. President Clinton now faces a trial in the Senate.
The second article of impeachment against Mr Clinton in relation to his deposition in the Paula Jones harassment case was defeated as was the article alleging abuse of office. Mr Clinton has now become the second president in US history to face an impeachment trial.
Earlier Democrats marched off the floor of the House in protest after losing a vote to censure the president by 230 to 204. And the incoming House Speaker Bob Livingston, who has admitted sexual infidelities said he would resign, and has urged President Clinton to do the same. Two days ago Livingston admitted to a series of extra-marital affairs in a statement to Republican members of Congress.
The debate on whether or not to impeach President Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky affair began yesterday. It was adjourned early this morning after 13 hours and resumed this this afternoon. Bill Clinton faced four charges of obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and two counts of perjury. However, the White House has ruled out resignation.
