the judge reminded us of the most historic investigations of presidents that began before impeachment proceedings. "twice in the last 50 years, congress has investigate aid sitting president for alleged law violations before initiating impeachment proceedings. it did so in 1973 by establishing the senate select committee on presidential campaign activities and then did so again in 1995 by establishing the special committee to investigate whitewater development corporation and related matters. the former investigation included within its scope potential corruption by president nixon while in office while the latter concerned alleged illegal misconduct by president clinton before his time in office. congress plainly views itself as having sweeping authority to investigate illegal conduct of a president before and after taking office. this court is not prepared to roll back the tide of history." leading off our discussion now is congressman jim hines, a democrat from connecticut and a member of the house intelligence