THE CONGRESS: The Fateful Vote to Impeach

• Share

(11 of 12)

of the debate is so outstanding that it leaves me undecided at the conclusion."

The reality of the debate was that no minds on the committee were being changed, but the cases for and against the President were being staked out for the showdown on the floor of the House. Noting the Democratic lineup against him on the committee, Sandman told fellow Nixon supporters: "You're going to have a far better forum on another day — in the House."

Finally all of the amendments were dispensed with and Chairman Rodino asked for the vote on the articles presented by Sarbanes, as amended slightly, even though all knew what the general outcome would be; the ensuing tense roll call was a moving, memorable moment. The only "Aye" that questionable caused a vote was murmur to that of ripple Froehlich, through the who cast a otherwise si soft lent crowd of fewer than 300 reporters and spectators.

Several of the Congressmen bowed their heads as the vote was taken. Arkansas' Thornton closed his eyes as if in prayer.

Democrats Seiberling and Mann and Republican Wiggins ap peared close to tears. Almost all the "Ayes" were delivered in mournful, almost sepulchral tones. By contrast, the first "No" — from Edward Hutchinson — sounded buoyant and was accom panied by a thin smile.

After the Sarbanes substitute article passed, the final vote on the article as amended was anticlimactic, even though it marked the official passage of the first impeachment article against Nixon. "Article I of that resolution of impeachment will be reported to the House," Chairman Rodino announced just be fore recessing the committee.

This week its deliberations on other proposed articles will begin. An article charging the President with abusing the powers of his office seems likely to pick up the same margin of sup port, possibly with the addition of Republican McClory. He is also expected to introduce an article of his own, charging Nixon with contempt of Congress for failing to respond to the Judi Committee's subpoenas.

Moving on to the House

If the committee completes its voting on the articles early this week as expected, its staff would be given about a week to pre pare a final committee report on the specifics of the case against the President. A majority of the committee would have to ap prove that report before it is transmitted along with the articles to the House Rules Committee. That committee is expected to re port the articles for full-scale House debate beginning about Aug. 12, with a House vote coming perhaps Aug. 23. Quick approval for televising those proceedings is expected to be granted by vote of the House.

Already speculation has begun on who will be managers of the House case if a Senate trial is held. Chosen by the House lead ers from the membership of the Judiciary Committee, they will act as the prosecutors in the trial. It is assumed that Rodino will be chairman of the managers and that another likely prospect is Democrat Sarbanes. A Southern Democrat, most probably Mann, may be offered such a position, but the chances of coaxing a Republican to share the work are not great.

Just when the Senate trial may begin would depend on how much time Senate leaders wish to accord the President and his lawyers to prepare their defense case. Two or three