After a one day delay the House convened to begin debating the four articles of impeachment against President Clinton. The Republican leadership had postponed the debate after the U.S. attacked Iraq.

Shortly after the gavel sounded members engaged in bitter partisan activities. Democrats booed Republicans while the House leaders set decorum for today’s impeachment debate. The presiding member, Illinois Republican Ray LaHood warned against any comparisons to the behavior of any Congress member and President Clinton. Yesterday Speaker-elect Bob Livingston (R-LA) announced he had engaged in several extra-marital affairs over the years. Earlier this year, it was discovered Judiciary Committee chair Rep. Henry Hyde had also engaged in extra-marital affairs. Democrats unsuccessfully attempted to delay the debates while the United States is engaged in military action in Iraq.

Tape:

• House proceedings

Related link:

• Pacifica’s Impeachment Watch