WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The Senate ethics committee Wednesday recommended explusion for embattled Sen. Bob Packwood, the target of allegations of sexual misconduct from more than a dozen women. The six-member ethics panel voted unaminously to recommend expulsion -- the most severe of the penalties Packwood faced -- after meeting behind closed doors. There was no immediate indication of when the full Senate would act on the committee's recommendation. The panel resolution recommends that 'Senator Packwood be expelled for his illegal actions and improper conduct in attempting to obstruct and impede the committee's inquiry; engaging in a pattern of sexual misconduct in at least 17 instances between 1969 and 1990; and engaging in a plan to enhance his financial position by soliciting, encouraging and coordinating employment opportunities for his wife from individuals with interests in legislation or issues which he could influence.' Packwood, R-Ore., who chairs the powerful Senate Finance Committee, flatly told a news conference that he would not resign. Asked if the Republican leadership has pressured him to step down, Packwood replied flatly: 'No.' He said he had spoken to Senate Republican leader Bob Dole after hearing about the committee's recommendation, but did not say what the two had discussed. Packwood, 62, called the committee's vote 'totally and absolutely outrageous.' 'The entire process is so unfair,' he said in a statement released after the committee vote. 'I've never had a process to cross-examine my accusers. Not one Senator ever saw any complaintant. Numerous witnesses with information contrary to what the accusers have said were completely ignored by the committee.
'The committee has been the judge, jury and prosecution,' he said. 'This process makes the Inquisition look like a study in fairness.' The Senate ethics committee issued a terse statement Wednesday saying it fully expected the entire Senate would vote in favor of its ruling. 'The resolution requires, in accordance with the Constitution, the approval of 67 senators,' the statement said. 'The committee strenuously urges, and fully expects, that its recommendation of explusion shall be approved by the full Senate; and the committee shall ask the Senate Majority Leader to schedule this matter promptly. Packwood changed his stance last month and called for public hearings into the allegations against him, after initially rejecting calls for such a forum. He said the ethics committee had initially told him the record against him was closed, but then re-opened an investigation into two additional allegations against him. The panel had already concluded in May that 'substantial, credible evidence' exists that Packwood fondled, kissed or made other unwelcome advances to 17 women between 1969 and 1992. Packwood has issued a public apology for his behavior, noting that he suffered from a drinking problem and does not remember all the incidents. In calling for public hearings, Packwood said he wanted a chance to face his accusers. 'If I were a normal citizen, I could ask for a public hearing,' Packwood said. 'I could ask to cross-examine my accusers.' Packwood released a lengthy memorandum outlining the information he would have provided if the ethics panel approved public hearings. In it, he denies the committee's assertion that he tried to impede the investigation by altering his personal diaries. 'Every original word in the diaries was turned over to the committee voluntarily,' Packwood said. He added that he made some alterations to copies of the diaries, fearing they could fall into the hands of the tabloid press. 'So I made some alterations in copies of the diaries, not the originals,' he said. 'The originals were kept.' Packwood said the originals and copies were turned over to the committee. The Oregon Republican said he could not predict the outcome of a full Senate vote on his expulsion. 'I don't know,' he said. 'I don't know what the sense of fairness will be.' At least one member of the ethics panel said Packwood would get what he deserves if he is expelled. 'Senator Packwood has shown a flagrant disregard for the victims, the Senate and the citizens of Oregon,' said Sen. Barbara Mikulski, R- Md. 'His conduct is a systematic abuse of women, power and this institution.' Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who led the fight to force public hearings on the Packwood investigation, immediately praised the committee's action. 'The Ethics Committee has rendered a precedent-setting decision regarding Sen. Robert Packwood,' she said. 'In recommending his expulsion, they are sending a very clear message that the Senate has zero tolerance for the type of behavior he exhibited over the course of his public service.' National Organization for Women President Patricia Ireland said she thought the full Senate would follow the panel's recommendation and kick Packwood out. 'I don't think going into the 1996 elections and all that rides on them that the Senate will want to engage in that kind of nasty confrontation (with Packwood),' Ireland told UPI. Expulsion is extremely rare in Congress. The House expelled Rep. Ozzie Myers, D-Pa., in 1980 after he was convicted of taking a bribe from an FBI agent in the Abscam case. Most members facing expulsion step down rather than face the crucial vote. Rep. Mel Reynolds, D-Ill., last month resigned effective Oct. 1 after he was convicted of having sex with a minor. (with reporting by Ian McCaleb)
