Word: rodino
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1970-1979
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
With galleries only half filled despite the portentous occasion, House Judiciary Chairman Peter Rodino introduced the authorizing resolution by aptly quoting what British Statesman Edmund Burke had said in 1771 when the British Parliament was considering an impeachment case. "We stand in a situation very honorable to ourselves and very useful to our country, if we do not abuse or abandon the trust that is placed in us," said Rodino...
...House Divided? Prodded by O'Neill, Rodino has shown an increasing sensitivity about maintaining not only a nonpartisan approach but also the appearance of nonpartisanship. Last October, Rodino made the mistake of proposing that only he have the right to subpoena materials. When the committee voted on the motion, the Democrats predictably won by a straight party vote, 21 to 17. The Republicans then charged, not without some reason, that it appeared the Democrats were out to get the President by collecting only anti-Nixon evidence...
Last week Rodino corrected his mistake by offering to share the right of subpoena with Edward Hutchinson of Michigan, the ranking Republican on the committee. Rodino will soon ask the House to vote to grant subpoena power to the committee. That seems certain to be given, since Republicans are in the vanguard of those urging the committee to get on with its assignment. The effect will be to put the full weight of the House behind the inquiry...
Meanwhile, Counsel Doar and his staff of 40 are trying to lay hands on the documents, tapes and testimony that Special Prosecutor Leon Jaworski has been accumulating on all phases of Watergate. Without the files, warns Rodino, his hearings could drag on until next year-a prospect appalling to everyone. But Jaworski, who has to worry about charges of partisanship himself, has been carefully insisting that he does not now have the legal right to turn over his files to Rodino...
Jaworski has, however, been hinting broadly that he would gladly turn over his files to Rodino if so ordered by John J. Sirica, the federal judge who convened the Watergate grand juries. Rodino is expected to ask Sirica to solve the impasse. If Sirica refuses, Rodino can try to subpoena the materials. Assuming that he can get Jaworski's files, Rodino has promised O'Neill that he will push for a committee vote on impeachment by April...