MADISON, Wis. -- The Madison Common Council wrestled with a pair of controversial resolutions as Tuesday night's meeting extended into the early morning hours. Ultimately, the council passed a measure in support of a proposed Regional Transit Authority, but rejected another that calls for President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney's impeachment.

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Tuesday night's meeting continued until 4 a.m. Wednesday, WISC-TV reported.

The council approved a resolution that backs the creation of an RTA with the ability to levy a half-cent sales tax. However, before the RTA could become a reality, a countywide referendum is necessary to authorize it and only the state Legislature has the authority to create such an agency, WISC-TV reported.

The new sales tax would fund the RTA, officials said.

Impeachment Resolution Fails

Just before concluding the meeting, the council also voted down the impeachment motion.

The resolution, which called on the U.S. House of Representatives to begin impeachment proceedings against Bush and Cheney, fell three votes short of passage as a number of alders abstained from voting.

The Impeachment Coalition of Dane County held a demonstration Tuesday to persuade the council to move forward on the resolution.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.