Impeachment of President Bill Clinton

On December 19, 1998, the U.S. House of Representatives impeached President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice stemming from the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Clinton became the second U.S. president in history to be impeached, though he was later acquitted by the Senate in 1999.

Historical Context

The impeachment arose from independent counsel Kenneth Starr's investigation into Clinton's relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Starr's report, released in September 1998, alleged that Clinton had lied under oath about the affair and encouraged others to conceal it. The House Judiciary Committee held hearings and approved four articles of impeachment, setting the stage for a full House vote. The political climate was highly partisan, with Republicans holding a majority in the House and Democrats defending the president.

What Happened

On December 19, 1998, the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Clinton on two articles: perjury before a grand jury and obstruction of justice. The vote largely followed party lines, with Republicans supporting impeachment and Democrats opposing it. Two other articles—perjury in the Paula Jones civil case and abuse of power—failed to pass. The impeachment was the first since Andrew Johnson in 1868. The Senate trial began in January 1999, and on February 12, 1999, the Senate acquitted Clinton on both charges, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed for conviction.

Significance & Legacy

The impeachment of Bill Clinton marked a significant moment in American political history, highlighting the intersection of personal conduct and public office. It deepened partisan divisions and set a precedent for future impeachment inquiries. Despite the scandal, Clinton's approval ratings remained high, and he completed his second term. The event also spurred debates over the scope of independent counsel investigations and the definition of high crimes and misdemeanors.

Conclusion

The impeachment of President Clinton on December 19, 1998, remains a defining episode of the 1990s, illustrating the constitutional process of checks and balances. While the House charged him with perjury and obstruction, the Senate's acquittal allowed him to finish his presidency. The event continues to be studied for its legal and political implications.