Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 26, 1974 (1/2)
Impeachment Hearings: House Judiciary Committee, July 26, 1974 (1/2)
[00.01.50] *See information in RIGHTS field before using* [NPACT logo black screen--trippy rotating image of Capitol Dome--title screen "Impeachment Debate" ] LEHRER in studio, discussing progress of debate, to debate an ARTICLE introduced by Rep. Paul SARBANES (D-MD) charging OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE. Appears to have majority support, possibly 25 or26 votes. Majority of debate, says LEHRER, over whether the SARBANES ARTICLE was specific enough, with lines drawn clearly pro and con. Paul DUKE notes it was a new kind of debate, with parliamentary procedure governing a more heated confrontation, with more partisanship. 2 things clear: President's supporters will do whatever necessary to derail impeachment drive it may be more difficult than previously thought for the supporters of impeachment to agree on a drafted article. Introduces reporter Caroline LEWIS LEWIS at Capitol reports on the abundance of posturing and grandstanding earlier in the day, giving way to closed-door sessions to try to iron out differences quickly. LEWIS says that amendments to the proposed article have not been serious, and a vote on the final article may come quickly if [cut DUKE/LEHRER, L.standing at "scoreboard"] DUKE asks LEWIS if she thinks the committee will bog down on inane details, does she think there will be a vote tonight? LEWIS says she's talked to Chair. RODINO'S chief aide, who indicated a vote by the end of the night was possible. Expect a motion to strike by Rep. Wiggins, a motion to table, and debate about amendments, leading to a vote by the end of the evening, but congressional committees are often unpredictable. [DUKE/LEHRER in studio, L. standing at "scoreboard"] DUKE says that one certain thing is that there is a likely 2-1 majority for impeachment, with many taking a side who were uncommitted. LEHRER frames the count as votes on the first OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE article, saying a tentative 23 votes for the proposed article. LEHRER points out photos, names names. 23 sure votes. Of definite nayes to the ARTICLE, points out faces, reads names. 11 "nayes", with McCLORY checking in against the particular ARTICLE while still advocating other articles of impeachment. All Opponents are REPUBLICANS. Points to Rep. FROEHLICH (R-Wisc), who has stated his opposition on grounds of the drafting of the ARTICLE. Maybe "AYES", called the three crucial people, are REPUBLICANS, FISH AND RAILSBACK, and DEMOCRAT FLOWERS of Alabama. LEHRER asks LEWIS if she agrees with his scorekeeping [cut LEWIS at Capitol] LEWIS says agrees on the whole, has questions about Rep. BUTLER, saying that he has expressed a desire to have more specificity in the ARTICLES. Asks if his committment to the ARTICLE has been confirmed. Says that in the crunch, FLOWERS will go along with impeachment, but BUTLER as a stickler for the rules may pass over the ARTICLE. [00.13.31]