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HAPPENING NOW: The Texas House has adopted the resolution laying out the rules for the debate on impeachment vote. Debate on the resolution to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton shall not exceed four hours. #txlege 
Rep. Andrew Murr, the chairman of the House General Investigating Committee, is laying out the resolution to impeach. Here we go.
As a reminder, Murr's resolution include the 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton.
They include constitutional bribery, dereliction of duty, disregard of official duty, and obstruction of justice. capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/bi…
They include constitutional bribery, dereliction of duty, disregard of official duty, and obstruction of justice. capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/bi…
The resolution to impeach AG Paxton has been read on the House floor.
Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, asks whether the House will vote on individual articles of impeachment or on all of them.
House Speaker Dade Phelan says it would be one vote on all 20 articles. #txlege
Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, asks whether the House will vote on individual articles of impeachment or on all of them.
House Speaker Dade Phelan says it would be one vote on all 20 articles. #txlege
Rep. Charlie Geren (R) speaks from the floor: We are here today because the attorney general asked the state Legislature to fund a multi-million dollar settlement brought against him by the whistleblowers.
There was no investigation prior to this time, Geren says. #txlege
There was no investigation prior to this time, Geren says. #txlege
Geren: What members may find notable about this case is these individuals involved, these whistleblowers, included the most senior staffers ... These individuals were Republican public servants who were, in many cases, recruited personally by (Paxton) to join the OAG. #txlege
🚨 Rep. Geren (R) closing out strong: I would like to point out that several members of this House, while on the floor of this House doing the state business, received telephone calls from Paxton personally threatening them w/ political consequences in their next election.#txlege
Rep. David Spiller (R), also a member of the investigating committee, says Paxton has a "brilliant legal mind and has worked diligently for the state of Texas."
But, he says no one is above the law. "Attorney Genera; Paxton took an oath of office. He violated that. #txlege
But, he says no one is above the law. "Attorney Genera; Paxton took an oath of office. He violated that. #txlege
Spiller says "we have a duty and obligation to protect the citizens of Texas from elected officials that abuse their office and their power for personal gain."
"We should not be complicit in allowing that behavior," Spiller says. #txlege
"We should not be complicit in allowing that behavior," Spiller says. #txlege
Rep. Ann Johnson (D), a member of the investigating committee, is the last to give opening statements.
"The last 72 hours have shown us why Ken Paxton is so desperate to keep this case in the court of public opinion because he has no ability to win in a court of law." #txlege
"The last 72 hours have shown us why Ken Paxton is so desperate to keep this case in the court of public opinion because he has no ability to win in a court of law." #txlege
Rep. Johnson responds to Paxton's claims that he was not allowed to tell his story.
She brings out Paxton's response to the whistleblowers' complaint, which was posted online, but Johnson says went missing "after we said don't do anything with any of the evidence in this case."
She brings out Paxton's response to the whistleblowers' complaint, which was posted online, but Johnson says went missing "after we said don't do anything with any of the evidence in this case."
Johnson: I guess it is hard to walk into a committee and claim nobody has asked you any questions ... of this sucker is still sitting on your website." #txlege
Johnson: "This is going to be the beginning of the end of his criminal reign, or God helps us with the harms that come to all Texans of he is allowed to stay" as the top cop. #txlege
Rep. Matt Schaefer (R) is asking whether any witnesses who testified in front of committee were under oath.
Chairman Murr says they were not, and claims that the fact-finding process happens in the Senate and is there where witnesses would be under oath. #txlege
Chairman Murr says they were not, and claims that the fact-finding process happens in the Senate and is there where witnesses would be under oath. #txlege
Schaefer asks whether Nate Paul, Paxton's friend, was interviewed by the committee.
Murr says they did not. The committee that investigated interviewed whistleblowers and others outside of the whistleblower lawsuit. #txlege
Murr says they did not. The committee that investigated interviewed whistleblowers and others outside of the whistleblower lawsuit. #txlege
Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R) asks why are members given 48 hours to decide whether to impeach.
Chairman Murr: I appreciate the fact that for you it seems suddenly rushed but for purposes of the committee we have been working on this since February. #txlege
Chairman Murr: I appreciate the fact that for you it seems suddenly rushed but for purposes of the committee we have been working on this since February. #txlege
Tinderholt asks whether Murr is aware that Sen. Ted Cruz (R) and former President Donald Trump made statements on the impeachment proceedings.
Murr: I'm not advised.
Murr: I'm not advised.
The House now moves to hear the arguments against impeachment.
Rep. John Smithee (R), says "this House cannot legitimate, and in good faith and under the rule of law, impeach General Paxton today on the record that it has before."
Smithee adds he's not defending Paxton. #txlege
Rep. John Smithee (R), says "this House cannot legitimate, and in good faith and under the rule of law, impeach General Paxton today on the record that it has before."
Smithee adds he's not defending Paxton. #txlege
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