In November 1997, Souder was one of eighteen Republicans in the House to co-sponsor a resolution by Bob Barr that sought to launch an impeachment inquiry against President Bill Clinton. The resolution did not specify any charges or allegations. This was an early effort to impeach Clinton, predating the eruption of the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal. The eruption of that scandal would ultimately lead to a more serious effort to impeach Clinton in 1998. On October 8, 1998, Souder voted in favor of legislation that was passed to open an impeachment inquiry. On December 19, 1998, Souder voted in favor of one (and against three) of the four articles of impeachment against Clinton (only two of which received the needed majority of votes). The only article of impeachment that Souder voted favor of adopting was the third article, which charged Clinton with obstruction of justice.