The Rocky Wake Of Resignation: Congress After Livingston

Rep. Bob Livingston’s stunning announcement on Saturday that he will not become the next speaker of the House, after all — indeed, that he will leave Congress sometime in the next few months — rocked a capital that was already reeling from the bitter debate over the impeachment of President Bill Clinton and another round of military action against Iraq.

Mostly Mum On Impeachment

Jewish leaders have been almost invisible as the House this week moved toward the second vote of impeachment in the nation’s history and as talk about a presidential resignation mounted. “We support orderly process in government, but we aren’t taking a position because the impeachment issue has become so partisan,” said Phil Baum, executive director of the American Jewish Congress.