Reel

Watergate Impeachment Hearings House Judiciary Committee, July 29, 1974. Charles Rangel (D - New York).

Watergate Impeachment Hearings House Judiciary Committee, July 29, 1974. Charles Rangel (D - New York).
Clip: 485862_1_1
Year Shot: 1974 (Actual Year)
Audio: Yes
Video: Color
Tape Master: 10625
Original Film: 206003
HD: N/A
Location: Washington DC
Timecode: 00:32:41 - 00:35:30

Watergate Impeachment Hearings House Judiciary Committee, July 29, 1974. Charles Rangel (D - New York).

Watergate Impeachment Hearings House Judiciary Committee, July 29, 1974. Charles Rangel (D - New York).
Clip: 485862_1_2
Year Shot: 1974 (Actual Year)
Audio: Yes
Video: Color
Tape Master: 10625
Original Film: 206003
HD: N/A
Location: Washington DC
Timecode: 00:32:41 - 00:33:54

Peter Rodino (D New Jersey). I recognize the gentleman from New York, Mr. Rangel. Charles Rangel (D New York). Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank you and the members of this committee because through their decision they have restored some faith and integrity to our system of Government. We have heard in the past many times the words "law and order" but most Americans recognize who those words were directed at and exactly what those words really meant. Today, Mr. Chairman, that phrase, can be restored to some of its original meaning because we have established some law and some order as relates to the abuse of Presidential power. The Vice President of the United States has reportedly said that this committee does not properly reflect or represent the Members of the House of Representatives. And perhaps it does not, for what committee truly does? Nevertheless, the committee system is a part of the House of Representatives. And it is not a part of our American way of life to attack the entire system merely because we differ with the results.

Watergate Impeachment Hearings House Judiciary Committee, July 29, 1974. Charles Rangel (D - New York).
Clip: 485862_1_3
Year Shot: 1974 (Actual Year)
Audio: Yes
Video: Color
Tape Master: 10625
Original Film: 206003
HD: N/A
Location: Washington DC
Timecode: 00:33:54 - 00:35:30

Charles Rangel (D - New York). The President of the United States not only disregarded the law but in fact feared the law and feared the grand jury system in our Nation's Capital. On March 27th, 1973, the President in talking with Ehrlichman about the fate of Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Ehrlichman said, "I think we have to recognize that you are not going to escape indictment," talking about Mr. Mitchell. This is what they were supposed to tell him. "There s no way. Far better that you should be prosecuted on information from the U.S. Attorney based on your conversation with the U.S. Attorney than on an indictment by a grand jury of 15 blacks and 3 whites after this kind of an investigation." The President responded "Right. And the door of the White House, we are trying to protect it." Well, Mr. Chairman, I am satisfied that while the President is protected from indictment at this time from a grand jury in the Nation's Capital. And while he has been denied his day in court as relates to the criminal courts, that I am satisfied that he would have had a fair hearing in the House of Representatives, that he will have a fair trial in the U.S. Senate. And for the American people and its Constitution, it would have had its day to prove that the system can work and indeed it has been a victory for law and order. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.