Bill Clinton Impeached by House of Representatives
December 19th, 1998
December 19th, 1998

How Long Ago?
26 years, 2 months, 24 days ago
Location
Washington D.C., United States
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Bill Clinton
- Monica Lewinsky
- Kenneth Starr
- Paula Jones
Links & References
- United States House of Representatives
- Bill Clinton
- Impeachment of Bill Clinton
- Federal impeachment in the United States
Tags
Bill Clinton Impeached by House of Representatives
President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives, becoming the second U.S. president to face impeachment. The impeachment stemmed from allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice related to his extramarital affair with Monica Lewinsky. The House voted largely along party lines, with two articles of impeachment approved. Clinton maintained that he did not commit any crimes.
Clinton faced charges related to a scandal.
Two articles of impeachment were approved.
The House vote was largely along party lines.
Clinton maintained his innocence throughout.
What Happened?
The impeachment of President Bill Clinton marked a significant moment in American political history, making him only the second president to be impeached, following Andrew Johnson in 1868. The impeachment process began in the wake of the scandal involving Monica Lewinsky, a former White House intern, with whom Clinton had an extramarital affair. Clinton faced allegations that he lied under oath and obstructed justice during a deposition about the affair in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones. The House of Representatives, controlled by the Republican Party, initiated impeachment proceedings against Clinton after the Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr submitted his report detailing allegations against the president.
On December 19, 1998, after weeks of often divisive debate, the House voted to impeach Clinton on two articles: perjury to a grand jury and obstruction of justice. The impeachment vote was characterized by a significant partisan divide, with all but a few Democrats opposing the articles and a significant majority of Republicans supporting them. The outcome was 228 for and 206 against the first article and 221 for and 212 against the second article. Following the impeachment, the Senate trial would later conclude with Clinton's acquittal, allowing him to complete his term in office.
Why Does it Matter?
The impeachment of Bill Clinton is notable not only for its political ramifications but also for its impact on American public opinion regarding presidential conduct and accountability. It showcased the deep partisan divides that can arise in U.S. politics. Clinton's impeachment raised critical issues about the balance of power between the presidency and Congress, setting a precedent for future impeachments. The event is interesting as it captured the attention of the nation and highlighted the ongoing debates around personal character versus political performance, influencing how future officeholders would be perceived and judged.
Discover More Historic Events from December 19th
Assassination of Russian Ambassador in Turkey
Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, was shot and killed while delivering a speech at an art exhibition in Ankara. The assailant, Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş, a Turkish off-duty police officer, approached Karlov during the event and opened fire, resulting in his death. Altıntaş was subsequently shot and killed by security forces on the scene. The incident sparked a significant outcry and raised tensions between Turkey and Russia, which had been cooperating on several geopolitical issues before the assassination.
Continue ReadingBerlin Christmas Market Vehicular Attack
A truck was driven into a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, Germany, resulting in the deaths of 12 people and injuring 56 others. The attack occurred during a festive event in Breitscheidplatz, a well-known square in the city. The assailant was identified as Anis Amri, an asylum seeker from Tunisia, who escaped after the incident. This attack highlighted vulnerabilities in security during public gatherings in urban areas.
Continue ReadingLaunch of Gaia Spacecraft by ESA
Gaia, a space observatory by the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched to create a three-dimensional map of our galaxy. This mission aimed to measure the positions, distances, and motions of stars with unprecedented precision. The launch took place from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana and was a major step towards understanding the Milky Way and its structure. This ambitious project seeks to unlock the mysteries of stellar evolution and galactic dynamics.
Continue ReadingChalk's Ocean Airways Flight 101 Crash Details
Chalk's Ocean Airways Flight 101 crashed shortly after taking off from Miami Seaplane Base, plunging into the Government Cut channel. This tragic incident claimed the lives of 20 individuals on board. The seaplane, a Grumman G-73T Turbo Mallard, faced mechanical difficulties shortly after departure, leading to the fatal crash. The event raised questions about aviation safety and regulatory oversight for seaplane operations.
Continue ReadingRiots Erupt in Buenos Aires Protesting Policies
Widespread riots broke out in Buenos Aires as citizens protested against the economic policies of the Argentine government. This unrest was fueled by severe financial crisis which led to increasing poverty and unemployment rates. People took to the streets demanding change, expressing their frustration through protests that turned violent. The government response included a state of emergency and widespread police repression to curb the disturbances.
Continue ReadingRecord High Barometric Pressure in Mongolia
A remarkable weather phenomenon occurred when a record high barometric pressure of 1,085.6 hectopascals (32.06 inHg) was registered in Tosontsengel, Khövsgöl, Mongolia. This unusual atmospheric condition raised interest among meteorologists and weather enthusiasts, showcasing the region's unique climatic characteristics. Such extreme readings are relatively rare globally, especially in Mongolia's harsh winter climate, highlighting the importance of studying weather patterns in this vast area.
Continue Reading