Clinton 'must repay funds'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UNITED STATES federal auditors are recommending that President Bill Clinton repay as much as $7m (pounds 4.3m) of public money which, they say, was misused for Democratic campaign advertising in the 1996 presidential election. The Republicans' failed candidate, Bob Dole, may have to repay more than $17m.
The auditors' report, which has to be approved by the Federal Election Commission, was released as the House of Representatives judiciary committee voted to extend its impeachment inquiry to cover allegations that the President's fund-raising activities broke the law. It has until now concentrated on the Monica Lewinsky affair.
The decision to extend the inquiry was greeted with fury by the White House, whose spokesman, Joe Lockhart, said it showed the committee had been "hijacked by extremists". "Despite all the protestations that this was a narrowly focused process... what it really is is a partisan process designed to damage the President," he said.
Yesterday began the appearance before the judiciary committee of a succession of witnesses with first-hand experience of the US perjury laws, including Barbara Battalino, a former government psychologist, whose case has frequently been cited for its apparent parallels with Mr Clinton's.
Ms Battalino, convicted of obstruction of justice and sentenced to six months' home detention, had admitted lying in a civil case when she denied performing oral sex on a Vietnam veteran in her charge.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments