Historic moment coming up soon in Washington. The House will vote for first time on the impeachment inquiry into 'Donald John Trump'. Will force Dem + GOP members to reveal their hand. Sets out process for going forward, but also if they support inquiry more generally. 
Republicans have been lobbying hard for a vote, crying blue murder over the process. The impeachment inquiry has been running for more than a month now without a vote. They're framing inquiry as a partisan witch hunt from Dems.
The process for going forward as outlined...
Step one - things go public.
Intel Committee to hold open hearings [witnesses appear with the TV cameras rolling].
Both Dem + Republican chair will be able to grill witnesses for up to 90 mins. Members get 5 mins each.
Step one - things go public.
Intel Committee to hold open hearings [witnesses appear with the TV cameras rolling].
Both Dem + Republican chair will be able to grill witnesses for up to 90 mins. Members get 5 mins each.
Step two - over to Judiciary Committee, which decides on articles of impeachment.
Intel Committee will pass report on the investigation to Judiciary. [Big moment as will also be published. Basically the case for impeachment]
Judiciary decides on articles. If yes, House votes.
Intel Committee will pass report on the investigation to Judiciary. [Big moment as will also be published. Basically the case for impeachment]
Judiciary decides on articles. If yes, House votes.
Republicans are opposing the resolution and arguing the process is still a Democratic stitch-up.
Angered that their ability to subpoena witnesses will need to be approved by the Dems [who have majority in the House].
Angered that their ability to subpoena witnesses will need to be approved by the Dems [who have majority in the House].
Dem+GOP members arguing on the House floor. To boil down their arguments...
Dems - evidence of high crimes, must be investigated, history is watching, no one above the law
GOP - Dems 'obsessed' with overturning 2016 vote, not a fair process, it's all 'partisan', is a 'sad day'
Dems - evidence of high crimes, must be investigated, history is watching, no one above the law
GOP - Dems 'obsessed' with overturning 2016 vote, not a fair process, it's all 'partisan', is a 'sad day'
Nancy Pelosi speaking next to a US flag as she calls for House to back the impeachment inquiry.
"This is not any cause for any glee or comfort ... This is a solemn occasion."
"This is not any cause for any glee or comfort ... This is a solemn occasion."
Nancy Pelosi on impeachment: "What is at stake in all of this is nothing less than our democracy. I proudly stand next to the flag … So many have fought and died for this flag, which stands for our democracy."
Sidenote - House is holding its impeachment inquiry vote into Trump on Halloween.
Steve Scalise, one of the top Republicans in the House, has brought his own prop. "This is Soviet-style rules" he says of the process for impeachment inquiry outlined by Dems.
Only one impeachment tweet from Trump so far since this debate has been going on...
Kevin McCarthy, the top Republican in the House, is hammering Dems over the inquiry's process.
"Democrats are trying to impeach the president because they are scared they cannot defeat him at the ballot box."
"Democrats are trying to impeach the president because they are scared they cannot defeat him at the ballot box."
Kevin McCarthy, top GOP House member, now pointing out it's just a year to the election. “Why do you not trust the people? Why do you not allow the people to have a voice? ... Has animosity risen that high?"
**VOTING BEGINS ON IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY RESOLUTION**
First vote will be whether to amend the resolution. The second about whether to pass it.
We're on to the proper vote now. Looks like a few Dems in Trumpy areas could sit on their hands and not back the inquiry. Will any Republicans vote for it??
BREAK: House votes 232 to 196 to progress impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump.
Only three other US presidents have faced such an inquiry. Historic moment.
Only three other US presidents have faced such an inquiry. Historic moment.
Vote was almost entirely down party lines.
2 Democrats voted against
[Peterson of Minnesota, Van Drew of New Jersey]
One independent voted against
[Justin Amash, formerly Republican]
Zero Republicans vote for
2 Democrats voted against
[Peterson of Minnesota, Van Drew of New Jersey]
One independent voted against
[Justin Amash, formerly Republican]
Zero Republicans vote for
**WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS**
Statement attacks the Democrats’ ‘unhinged obsession’ with impeachment
Says Dems are trying to ‘waste time on a sham’ process
No indication they will now start co-operating with inquiry
Statement attacks the Democrats’ ‘unhinged obsession’ with impeachment
Says Dems are trying to ‘waste time on a sham’ process
No indication they will now start co-operating with inquiry
Vote will please Pelosi - a few months ago 1/3 of Democrat members opposed impeachment inquiry. Now all but 2 have backed it
But... Republicans have been trying fiercely to frame this whole push as partisan. A vote split almost perfectly along party lines will help them do that.
But... Republicans have been trying fiercely to frame this whole push as partisan. A vote split almost perfectly along party lines will help them do that.
The big tension now - how quickly do Dems proceed?
Their impulse is to move quickly, jumping on momentum of Ukraine scandal + wrapping up before 2020 election push.
But move too fast + they a) seem like they're rushing process to depose Trump and b) could miss key evidence
Their impulse is to move quickly, jumping on momentum of Ukraine scandal + wrapping up before 2020 election push.
But move too fast + they a) seem like they're rushing process to depose Trump and b) could miss key evidence
NEW: Trump speaks on House impeachment inquiry vote for first time, pointing to lack of rebels in LBC interview.
"I didn't have one negative Republican vote, which is a very unusual thing. Not one negative Republican vote."
"I didn't have one negative Republican vote, which is a very unusual thing. Not one negative Republican vote."
