Independent Counsel statute lapses after backlash to the Starr investigation

Congress allowed the independent counsel statute to expire on June 30, 1999, after the Starr investigation of President Clinton cost $70 million over five years and culminated in Clinton's impeachment and Senate acquittal. Both parties agreed the statute had proven too powerful and politically unaccountable. The independent counsel was replaced with DOJ's internal special counsel regulations that gave the Attorney General authority to appoint and fire investigators.