- ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR.
ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP
Congress of tfje ®nitcb States
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20515-2002
January 22, 1998
Thank you for your comments regarding the possible impeachment of President Clinton, as well as other issues
pending before Congress.
Under the Constitution, the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States may be
impeached for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” All Articles of Impeachment are
referred to the House Judiciary Committee, a committee on which I do not serve. The House may only indict a
high government official accused of wrongdoing; the trial must take place in the Senate. Fortunately, the
impeachment of a sitting President has not been a common occurrence in American history. To date, only one
President, Andrew Johnson, has faced an impeachment trial in the Senate (President Johnson was ultimately
acquitted of the charges against him).
As you know, I have been a persistent critic of the President throughout my tenure in Congress. The Clinton
Adihinistration is, in my view, an ethical disaster. His first term in office produced a litany of scandals, the likes
of which overshadow those of previous administrations. Like you, I am concerned by alleged improper
fundraising activities by the Clinton Administration, the Democratic National Committee, and the Teamsters. I
am especially troubled by recent allegations that the President may have suborned and committed perjury. These
allegations are, in my view, serious and merit investigation. Two congressional committees, as well as
Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, are currently investigating the scandals. Should these reports contain clear
evidence of “high crimes and misdemeanors” by President Clinton, Vice President Gore, or other high
government officials, I will actively support all efforts to allow the impeachment process to go forward.
With respect to the other issues on which you contacted me, I have enclosed copies of my recent columns in
which I describe my views in great detail. I hope you find this material useful.
Once again, thanks for contacting me regarding this important issue. Please contact me again if I may be of
future assistance.
C
Sincerely,
^2-в—
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Member of Congress
