Impeachment Timetable

The uncertainties in the historic impeachment inquiry now under way in the Congress are astronomical. But impeachment sentiment is rising, and a trial of the President in the Senate is increasingly probable. Senators and Representatives are trying to determine how and when these momentous events will unfold.

Assuming that there is no protracted wrangling or unforeseen delays--a risky presumption--and that the entire process will run its full course, the following is a rough but plausible timetable:

By May 30. The House Judiciary Committee votes articles of impeachment against the President.

First Week in June. Debate on impeachment begins before the full House. Judiciary Committee Chairman Peter Rodino leads the debate, explaining each article.

Second Week in June. The debate ends, and voting begins on each article, together with any amendments.

Third Week in June. Voting is completed. Assuming that some articles are approved by a majority vote, the Senate is informed by two Representatives chosen by the House that "In the name of the House of Representatives, and of all the people of the United States, we do impeach Richard Nixon, President of the United States, of high crimes and misdemeanors in office."

Fourth Week in June. The Senate officially informs the President of his impeachment and issues a "summons" for him to appear in the Senate to respond to the articles. Nixon's representative, probably Attorney James St. Clair, appears before the Senate and asks for time to reply to the charges in writing.

Second Week in July. The President's "answer" is introduced in the Senate. The House of Representatives responds to the President's brief with a "replication"--probably a pro forma reply supporting the charges. The Senate informs Nixon's lawyers that they have about another week to prepare for trial, which will take precedence over all other Senate business.

Third Week in July. The trial begins, with Chief Justice Warren Burger presiding, and television cameras probably allowed. The House presents its evidence through six or seven "managers" selected from members of the Judiciary Committee; they are, in effect, the prosecutors. The President's lawyers have the right to cross-examine any witnesses and call rebuttal witnesses. Senators can ask questions only in writing.

Late September. The trial ends, and voting begins on each article of impeachment. The Chief Justice polls each Senator, who must vote either "guilty" or "not guilty" on each article. If two-thirds of the Senators present cast a guilty vote on any single article, the President is removed from office.

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