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Trump impeachment vote live updates: Trump becomes third U.S. president to be impeached as House approves both articles of impeachment; Pelosi leaves open the possibility of withholding the articles of impeachment from the Senate – The Washington Post, The Washington Post

Trump impeachment vote live updates: Trump becomes third U.S. president to be impeached as House approves both articles of impeachment; Pelosi leaves open the possibility of withholding the articles of impeachment from the Senate – The Washington Post, The Washington Post


Wednesday’s action will lead to a trial in the Republican-led Senate, where a two-thirds vote would be required to remove the president from office .

At the heart of the Democrats’ case is the allegation that Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression. , to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2019 presidential election.

● President

appears resilientas he faces the ‘very ugly word’ of impeachment.

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Pelosi does not rule out not sending impeachment articles to Senate

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke to the reporters after the vote and did not rule out not sending the articles to the Senate right away.

“We’ll make a decision as a group as we always have as we go along,” she said, when asked.

Some House Democrats had called on her to delay sending the articles since the Senate Republicans weren’t going to hold a full trial. Pelosi did not shut the door on the idea, saying that ”so far, we haven’t seen anything that looks fair to us.”

Asked if she could guarantee the articles will be sent to the Senate “at some point,” Pelosi said that was the Democrats intention, “but we will see what happens over there.”

************

ByColby Itkowitz and Mike DeBonis

Trump mocks Rep. Debbie Dingell and suggests her dead husband could be in hell

Trump lamented that Democrats who he claims to have been kind to in the past voted to impeach him, including Michigan’s Rep. Debbie Dingell.

“Debbie Dingell, that’s a real beauty,” he started, before going off about how she called him to ask for special funeral arrangements for the late congressman John Dingell.

“She calls me up. ‘It’s the nicest thing that’s ever happened. Thank you so much. John, would be so thrilled, ‘he’s looking down …, ”Trump said, and then added,“ Maybe he’s looking up, I don’t know. ”

Shortly after, Dingell reacted to Trump’s comment, writing on Twitter: “Mr. President, let’s set politics aside. My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder. ”

************

Colby Itkowitz

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**************** Felicia Sonmez

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GOP-tied group to spend $ 2.5 million against moderate Democrats

An advocacy group with GOP ties said Wednesday it will spend $ 2.5 million in the immediate aftermath of the House impeachment vote to attack supportive Democratic lawmakers in running next year in districts President Trump previously won.

The new American Action Network spending is in addition to the $ 8.5 million the group has already spent in the lead-up to Wednesday’s vote – a campaign that has spooked many vulnerable Democrats but failed to convince them to oppose impeachment.

A total of 33 members will be targeted by digital ads. Nine of those will see cable and broadcast television ads run in their districts: Democratic Reps. Jared Golden (Maine), Elissa Slotkin (Mich.), Xochitl Torres Small (NM), Susie Lee (Nev.), Max Rose (NY), Anthony Brindisi (NY), Kendra Horn (Okla.), Joe Cunningham (SC ) and Elaine Luria (Va.).

“They chose to put the far left’s crusade to impeach this President ahead of what’s best for their constituents, and now there’s going to be a reckoning for it back home, ”said AAN President Dan Conston.

Democrats are hoping to counter the messaging blitz by promoting non-impeachment accomplishments, including last week’s House passage of a bill lowering prescription drug prices and the expected House approval Thursday for a new North American trade agreement.

( Mike DeBonis

House adopts Article Two to impeach Trump on obstruction of Congress

The House voted – 226 – 1 to impeach Trump on obstruction of Congress. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) split his vote, voting “no” on this article and “yes” on the first. The other Democrats to vote no were Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) And Rep. Jeff Van Drew (DN.J.), the latter of whom is about to switch parties.

While the House was voting, Trump railed against impeachment calling it “ lawless ”and a“ suicide march for the Democratic party. ”

Colby Itkowitz

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*** adopts Article One to impeach Trump on abuse of power

(The House voted) – 226 – 1 to impeach Trump on abuse of power with two Democrats voting against and Gabbard voting “present.” Every Republicans voted against.

About 12 minutes earlier, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi grabbed a green card – green is t he yes card – and handed her ballot to one of the House clerks, voting to impeach Trump.

She then moved up onto the rostrum of the House, where she presided over the last minutes of votes, allowing her to be the one to gavel shut both impeachment votes against Trump.

After the first vote, the room was incredibly silent , but there were some audible cheers from one corner of Democratic side, propping loud mocking from House Republicans because Pelosi had been saying for weeks this was supposed to be “somber.” Pelosi shot them a disapproving glance.

****************** (By

(Colby Itkowitz and Paul Kane) ****************************

December 23, at 8: EST EST

The House has begun voting on articles of impeachment ******** The House has started voting. on Article 1, abuse of power and will then vote on Article 2, obstruction of justice.

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Trump takes rally stage as Schiff makes closing impeachment speech

In a split-screen moment for history, Trump took the stage in Michigan while Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) Made his closing arguments for impeachment.

“By the way, it doesn’t really feel like we’re being impeached, the country is doing better than ever before. We did nothing wrong and we have tremendous support in the Republican party like never before, ”Trump said at the start of the rally.

Vice President Pence, who spoke before Trump, said Trump was going to wait until after the vote to begin to watch “that strong, unified Republican vote on the floor tonight,” but apparently he changed his mind.

At the same time, on the House floor, Schiff said if Republicans “say the president may refuse to comply, may refuse lawful process, may coerce an ally, may cheat in an election because he’s the president of our party, you do not uphold our Constitution. You do not uphold your oath of office. ”

)

**************** (Colby Itkowitz) ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, ****************************************************************************************************************************** (at 8:

In fiery closing speech, McCarthy declares Trump ‘will be president when this impeachment is over’******** House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R -Calif.) Delivered a defiant floor speech Wednesday night, reminding Democrats that Trump will remain in office even after he is impeached.

“I am about to say something my Democrat colleagues hate to hear: Donald J. Trump is president of the United States, ”McCarthy said. “He is president today. He will be president tomorrow. And he will be president when this impeachment is over. When they accept that, maybe this House can get back to work for the American people. ”

He cast the vote as political retribution by Democrats who lost the election in and, McCarthy argued, will “do anything to stop him in (****************************************************************************************************************************. ”

“ If you want to restore a working Congress – like the previous Congress that listened to you and worked to bring the best economy this country has ever seen and will once again work with the president to get things done for you and your family – then join Republicans in rejecting this baseless impeachment, ”he said.

(By) Felicia Sonmez***********************************************

with impeac hment, Pelosi emerges as Trump’s most powerful political adversary

Last December, Trump mocked Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s leadership skills in an Oval Office meeting, suggesting she needed help to secure enough votes to become the House speaker.

The California Democrat sent a warning shot that set the table for their relationship going forward. Mr. President, ”Pelosi interjected. “Please don’t characterize the strength that I bring to this meeting.”

Over the next year Pelosi firmly established herself as the president’s most powerful political adversary, winning a showdown with him in January on the budget and regularly winning other one-on-one confrontations. A caucus filled with younger Democrats who questioned the – – year-old’s liberal bona fides now stands firmly behind her.

Ashley Parker and Josh Dawsey**********************************

White House legislative affairs staff made an unusual delivery to lawmakers Wednesday: large White House Christmas cards together with copies of the president’s six-page letter to Pelosi railing against the impeachment process .

Some bemused members of Congress shared photos of the unexpected deliveries on Twitter.

“ Thanks for this card & your 6 page impeachment screed, ”Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

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****** (December) , at 5: PM EST(Republic Republicans compare impeachment to Jesus’ crucifixion, the Salem witch.trials and Pearl Harbor

With hours of debate to fill before Trump is impeached and only a minute or two for each House member to make an impact, there is a premium on getting your point across.

Hence, a series of vivid metaphors.

Republicans, in particular, have set about comparing Trump’s impeachment to all manner of historical atrocities. Trump got the ball rolling Tuesday by comparing his treatment unfavorably to the Salem witch trials. “More due process was afforded to those accused in the Salem Witch Trials,” he wrote.

But his GOP colleagues believed they had some even better comparisons.

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) Decided that Trump was denied even the feeble due process that Pontius Pilate granted Jesus before his crucifixion.

“When Jesus was falsely accused of treason, Pontius Pilate gave Jesus the opportunity to face his accusers, ”Loudermilk said. “During that sham trial, Pontius Pilate afforded more rights to Jesus than Democrats have afforded this president in this process.”

Aaron Blake

December (********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, at 5: 11 PM EST

************ Kevin Bra dy compares Democrats to Joe McCarthy

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Tex.) Said pro-impeachment Democrats will be remembered as the “Senator Joe McCarthys of our time.”

In remarks on the House floor , Brady accused the Democratic Party of being “willing to plunge America into darkness for raw political gain” and predicted that Americans would “look back at these days and sigh in shame.”

“So blinded by their hatred of President Trump, they abandoned American rights of due process and fairness and just decency reminiscent of Joe McCarthy,” he said, comparing the Democrats to the s GOP senator whose name became synonymous with alleging, without evidence, disloyalty to the country.

****************** (By

) Elise Viebeck

December (**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, (at 4:) **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** (PM EST

) *************

Trump leaves for Michigan without taking questions

Trump exited the White House on Wednesday evening without taking questions from reporters – a departure from his usual habit of stopping to chat with the press in front of Marine One on the South Lawn.

The president is headed to Battle Cre ek, Mich., for a “Keep America Great” rally, which is set to begin around the same time the House is expected to vote to impeach him.

************ (By

Felicia Sonmez ******************

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**** Trump campaign fundraises off impeachment, calls it ‘war’

The Trump campaign sent supporters several fundraising solicitations, all in the president’s voice, leading up to the House impeachment vote with a goal of raising $ 2 million.

“Before Today’s Impeachment Vote,” read one subject line.

“Before the upcoming vote, I want to post another HUGE fundraising number to ensure that we have the resources to win this IMPEACHMENT WAR,” the email read. “I’m calling on my most FIERCE and LOYAL defenders to step up. There has never been a more critical time to show where you stand. Remember, this is WAR and America’s future depends on us winning. ”

A few hours later, another email blast was sent with the subject line:“ You need to defend your President. ”

“ We can’t let them get away with this. Later today the Democrats will vote to IMPEACH our President for DOING NOTHING WRONG. We need to FIGHT BACK, ”that email read.

And a few hours after that, an email with the subject line“ A few hours until the Impeachment Vote. ”

“ It’s finally here. This Impeachment Scam is finally going to a vote in the House and I need you on my side, ”the email read.

The Trump campaign has said that the impeachment inquiry has helped fuel its coffers and rally the base.

By

Colby Itkowitz****************************************** December 20, (4): PM ESTSchiff says Republicans will ‘rue the day’ they don ‘t hold Trump accountable

Schiff made an impassioned plea for his colleagues to impeach Trump and lamented that many Republicans are trying to protect his presidency.

“They have made their choice, and I believe they will rue the day that they did, ”Schiff said.

During his remarks, Schiff recounted highlights of the evidence gathered by his panel about Trump’s efforts to press Ukraine for investigations at a time when US military assistance and a White House visit for Zelensky were being withheld.

“Over the course of the last three months, we have found incontrovertible evidence that President Trump abused his power, ”Schiff said.

“ He doesn’t care about Ukraine or the impact on our national security, ”Schiff said of Trump. “All that matters to this president is what affects him personally.”

Schiff also argued that Trump is continuing to seek foreign assistance in the next year election, citing a recent trip to Ukraine by his personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani.

“The president and his men plot on,” Schiff said. “The danger persists. The risk is real. Our democracy is at peril. ”

***************** John Wagner

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******** December 21, (at 3: (PM EST Rep. Duncan mocks Schiff’s hearing room as ‘chamber of secrets’

Rep. Jeff Duncan (RS.C.) took aim at the House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff’s (D-Calif.) Handling of the impeachment probe, ridiculing the secure briefing room at the Capitol where witnesses have been deposed by investigators as “Chairman Schiff’s chamber of secrets. ”

“ You know, we’re not debating impeachment of an American president today. Your minds are already made up, ”Duncan said.

The secure room, known as the SCIF, is typically used by lawmakers when they are holding meetings involving sensitive information .

********** Felicia Sonmez

Gohmert accused of spouting ‘Russian propaganda’ on House floor (****** House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler

By***************** Karoun Demirjian

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Centrist Republican calls impeachment a ‘dangerous precedent’

A retiring centrist Republican who impeachment supporters once hoped would join their side instead slammed the effort Wednesday as divisive and politically motivated.

Rep. Will Hurd (R-Tex.), Who had indicated he would oppose impeachment, said the inquiry yielded evidence of “bungling foreign policy decisions” but not actions worthy of the House’s strongest rebuke.

“Today, we have seen a rushed process divide our country,” Hurd said on the House floor. “Today, a dangerous precedent will be set – impeachment becoming a weaponized political tool.”

The former CIA officer connected with a call for political harmony.

“Way more unites our country than divides us,” he said. “Tomorrow, can we start focusing on that?”

ByElise Viebeck

**************************************************** (December) , (at 3: 15 PM ESTKellyanne Conway says president is monitoring impeachment debate, says his mood is’ fine

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, speaking to reporters in the late afternoon, said Trump has been monitoring the House impeachment debate, but called it an “add-water-and-stir day” with “preordained” results.

Asked if the president was fine with impeachment becoming part of his legacy, Conway said, “We’re not fine with the impeachment, we think it’s specious, spare articles, but it’s a conclusion in search of evidence. So nobody is fine with somebody who should not be impeached. ”

“ But, ”she added,“ his mood is fine. ”

Conway also said she had just come from a meeting with Senate Republicans where they discussed a host of issues, including the upcoming Senate trial. She wouldn’t say whether she endorsed a short or long process, but just “full and fair,” which she said could very well be short.

She was also asked about a remark by a House Republican comparing the treatment of Trump to that of Jesus.

“I didn’t see that, I think the president is being treated very unfairly. I wish that wasn’t the case, ”she said. “I don’t like many Jesus comparisons because he is my lord and savior and messiah to me.”

Shortly after Conway finished her news conference, White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland gave reporters another assessment of the president’s mood.

“The president is pumped – pumped! – as the year ends on his legislation and confirmation agenda, ”Ueland said.

Colby Itkowitz

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December 23, at 3 : (PM EST) *******

Trump campaign highlights line of supporters at rally site

As debate continued in the House, a Trump campaign spokesman tweeted a video showing supporters lining up for Trump’s planned rally Wednesday night in Battle Creek, Mich .

“It’s 16 degrees in Battle Creek, Michigan as supporters line up for a @realDonaldTrump rally on Impeachment Day, ” (wrote campaign leader Tim Murtaugh. “The sham impeachment is an attack on these hardy folks and (million other Americans.)

By John Wagner

Pompeo brushes off questions about impeachment

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, talking to reporters after his meeting. With two senior Indian government officials, brushed off questions about the impeachment proceedings underway and whether he would testify before the Senate.

“I’ve said a great deal about the impeachment proceedings, so I think that you and the world know exactly what I think about them, ”he said. “And as for my participation, my participation will continue to be precisely that which the law requires. And I’m happy to do document productions, I’m happy to testify if that’s appropriate and required by law. The State Department’s done the same thing all the way through. We will continue to do so. ”

Pompeo dismissed questions about the impeachment proceeding as“ noise and silliness. ”

“It’s important to note, the four of us today worked really hard on important things for the United States of America,” he said. “We were intently focused on that. So the world should know that despite all the noise, the chaos, the media asking questions that are completely unrelated to the reason we’re here today, that the leaders of our two nations are working diligently to protect the American people, to develop a relationship that’s important strategically for the coming decades between the United States and India. We won’t let the noise and the silliness here in Washington, DC, distract us from that. ”

********** Carol Morello

December 23, 2020 at 2: (PM EST)

Some House Democrats push Pelosi to withhold impeachment art icles, delay Senate trial

A group of House Democrats is pushing Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) And other leaders to withhold the articles of impeachment against Trump that are expected to emerge from the House Wednesday, possibly delaying a Senate trial for months.

The notion of impeaching Trump but holding the articles in the House has gained traction among some on the political left as a way of potentially forcing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R- Ky.) To conduct a trial on more favorable terms for Democrats. If no agreement is reached, some have argued, the trial could be delayed indefinitely, denying Trump an expected acquittal.

The gambit has gained some traction inside the left wing of the House Democratic Caucus this week. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) Said Wednesday, as his colleagues debated the impeachment articles on the House floor, that he has spoken to three dozen Democratic lawmakers who had expressed some level of enthusiasm for the idea of ​​“rounding out the record and spending the time to do this right. ”

“ At a minimum, there ought to be an agreement about access to witnesses, rules of the game, timing, ”Blumenauer said of a Senate trial.

****************** Mike DeBonis

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Graham warns Trump on impeachment witnesses and his legacy

Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (RS.C.) said Wednesday that while he wants “as short a trial as possible” in the Senate following Trump’s impeachment, he wants “a vote on the articles themselves” and not a motion to dismiss them.

Graham said he is also prepared to tell Trump a direct “no” to his witness request, “because I think what’s best for the country is to get this behind us as soon as possible. ”

Graham said he spoke to Trump on Wednesday, as the House took final steps toward a vote on impeachment, reminding him that while his“ legacy is now going to include being impeached by the House, acquitted by the Senate, ”the important question was,“ Will it be bigger than that? ”

Graham acknowledged that Trump was often “a handful” and that “part of his problems are self-driven.”

“But I think he’s tough enough to withstand this and do right by the country, ”Graham said, noting if that Trump could win a second term after this.

“That says a lot about the impeachment process,” he said.

Graham, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, said he is ready to hear separately from Trump lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani about alleged Ukraine corruption involving the Bidens because “somebody needs to take a look,” even though Graham said he has seen “no evidence that Joe Biden did anything wrong.”

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December 20, at 2: 16 PM EST

Republican compares Democrats unfavorably to Pontius Pilate

In one of the day’s more colorful remarks, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) Compared Democrats unfavorably to Pontius Pilate, the Roman official who sentenced Jesus to death, according to the New Testament.

“Before you take this historic vote today, one week before Christmas, I want you to keep this in mind: When Jesus was falsely accused of treason, Pontius Pilate gave Jesus the opportunity to face his accusers, ”Loudermilk said during brief remarks on the House floor. “During that sham trial, Pontius Pilate afforded more rights to Jesus than the Democrats have afforded this president in this process.”

Loudermilk had just complained that Democrats have kept the identity of the whistleblower a secret.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (DN.Y.) responded: “The president was given the opportunity to come and testify … To send his counsel, to question witnesses. He declined to do so. ”

***************** (Elise Viebeck) **************

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December 23, (at 2:) ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** (PM EST) ******* Steve King says Trump’s motives weren’t political because Biden isn’t his opponent

Rep ****** Steve King (R-Iowa) reasoned that Trump’s desire for an investigation into Biden was not for personal political reasons because Biden isn’t his guaranteed 2110 opponent.

“He’s in a – way primary, ”King said of Biden. “And he’s running third in that race. His opponents are the other 23 Democrats. How would anybody dig into that mess of 21 people and decide he’s going to go overseas and pull some maneuver like this? ”

King went on to say the House Democrats needed a motive to impeach the president, and once they had one in Biden they created dots to connect.

When Trump had his July call with Zelensky, Biden was leading in the polls and beating Trump in general election matchups. Even now, though Biden has lost some momentum in early voting states, he is still ahead of the pack in national polling.

( Colby Itkowitz

Rep. Serrano to miss votes due to health concerns

Rep. José E. Serrano (DN.Y.) said he could not vote Wednesday because of health issues but would vote to impeach Trump on both articles if he were present.

) “His actions in office have undermined our national security, our democratic processes, and our Constitution,” Serrano said in a statement. “While it is difficult to miss these important votes, I trust my colleagues to make the right choices to protect our nation, our laws, and our democracy.”

Serrano said he is continuing to address issues related to a Parkinson’s diagnosis and is undergoing prostate surgery this week.

December (***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, **************************************************************************************************************************** (at 1:

Rep. Stewart accuses Democrats of voting to impeach Trump because they ‘hate’ him

Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah),

************Felicia Sonmez

December (********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, ****************************************************************************************************************************** (at 1:****************************************************************************************************************************************************************** (PM EST) *******

Republican calls impeachment a horror, ‘says U.S. is being ‘devoured from within’

A Republican congressman from Louisiana delivered a brief but fiery speech against Trump’s impeachment, calling it a “horror” and saying the United States is being “devoured from within.”

Rep. Clay Higgins did not hold back in his appeal.

He placed the blame squarely on Democrats, claiming that “socialists who threaten unborn life in the womb, who threaten First Amendment rights of conservatives, who threaten Second Amendment protections of every American patriot ”were responsible for a process that has“ severely injured ”the country.

“ I have descended into the belly of the beast. I have witnessed the terror within. And I rise committed to oppose the insidious forces which threaten our republic, ”Higgins said.

Democrats are“ deep-establishment D.C., ”he said. “They call us deplorables. … They fear our vote. And they fear our president. ”

***************** (Elise Viebeck) **************

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December (**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, (at 1:) PM EST

Hoyer urges House Republicans to be ‘profiles in courage ‘

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) Urged House Republicans on Wednesday to be “profiles in courage” and put aside party loyalty to impeach Trump.

“The president’s Republican defenders in the House and Senate know that the facts are not on their side,” Hoyer said in a New York Times op-ed that was published as debate continued in the House chamber. “They continue to pound on the table and have contorted themselves with arguments about process. They insist that the matter of ignored subpoenas and withheld documents ought to be litigated in court for months, during which time the president would have ample time to continue violating the law by seeking foreign help for his reelection. They ignore his pattern of obstructing Congress and how he places himself shamelessly above the law. ”

“ I understand party loyalty, ”Hoyer continued. “It’s what enables our two-party system to function. But in my years representing Maryland in Congress, I never thought I’d see this system break down to the extent that one party is willing to sacrifice its duty to the Constitution and to the country for the sake of defending its president. ”

****************** (By

(John Wagner) ****************

Felicia Sonmez

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Lawmak ers take in historic impeachment debate

Dozens of Democrats and Republicans, eager to observe history in the making, sat quietly in the House chamber, watching hours of debate over the impeachment of Trump. Lawmakers rarely attend the mundane floor back-and-forths, which often drag on for hours, with key talking points on repeat. But on Wednesday, lawmakers wanted to take in the moment and sat quietly listening to their colleagues give speeches on the merits of the charges against Trump.Pelosi chatted up her colleagues in the back. House Judiciary Committee members listened in and lined up to be the first members to speak on impeachment.

On the Republican side of the room, GOP lawmakers who both love and disapprove of Trump, took it all in as well.

Retiring Rep. Paul Mitchell (R-Mich.), Who has decried Trump’s pressure on Ukraine as inappropriate but not impeachable, was there. So too was soon-to-be ex-Democrat Jeff Van Drew (N.J.), an impeachment critic who is expected to switch parties this week. He huddled by his future GOP colleagues on the Republican side of the chamber.

Meanwhile, tours of the Capitol continued despite the solemnity surrounding the vote. Guides ushered in tourists above the House floor to witness the moment.

Rachael Bade

December (********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, **************************************************************************************************************************** (at) ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************: (PM EST

) ************

In Michigan, Pence says impeachment is ‘a disgrace’

In remarks at a “Workers for Trump” event in Saginaw, Mich., Vice President Pence addressed the impeachment debate underway in the House.

“Thank you for being here on a blustery Michigan day – and a day when there’s a lot of bluster in DC, as well, ”he told the crowd.

He described the impeachment proceedings as“ a disgrace ”and argued that Democrats are impeaching the president because they know they can’t defeat him at the ballot box in)

“They’re trying to run down this president because they know they can’t run against our record. … They’re pushing this partisan impeachment because they know they can’t stop you from giving President Donald Trump four more years in the White House, ”Pence said.

********** By

Felicia Sonmez

White House says Trump ‘working all day’ as he tweets again about impeachment proceedings*** debate continued, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham issued a statement saying Trump “will be working all day” and suggesting he was not watching much of the impeachment proceedings.

) “He will be briefed by staff throughout that day, and could catch some of the proceedings between meetings,” Grisham said.

Shortly after her statement was issued, Trump returned to Twitter to weigh in again – this time in all capital letters – on what was taking place in the House.

“SUCH ATROCIOUS LIES BY THE RADICAL LEFT , DO NOTHING DEMOCRATS, ”he wrote . “THIS IS AN ASSAULT ON AMERICA, AND AN ASSASA ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY !!!!”

John Wagner

, (at************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************: (AM EST) ******* Debate wraps up on rule guiding impeachment debate

Debate has wrapped up on the rule setting parameters for debate on the articles of impeachment. A procedural vote is now underway, which will be followed by a vote on the rule itself.

In a closing argument, Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.), The top Republican on the Rules Committee, said he “cannot oppose this rule strongly enough,” arguing Trump had endured a “flawed and unfair process.”

“We deserve better than this,” Cole said. “Impeachment is the most consequential act the House of Representatives can take.”

Cole also pleaded with colleagues not to question his motives.

“I want to say one thing for the record. I have great respect for all my friends on the other side of the aisle, and I am sure they’re voting their convictions, ”he said. “So when I vote mine, please don’t imply I’m doing it for my political party. I’m doing it because it’s what I believe is right. And I do believe I can defend both the president and the Constitution of the United States. ”

In arguing for the Democrats, Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (Mass. ) Trump was guilty of “rolling out the welcome mat” for foreign election interference.

“No one should be allowed to use the powers of the presidency to undermine our elections, period, ”McGovern said. “This isn’t about siding with your team. I didn’t swear an oath to defend a political party. I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. And when I vote yes … my conscience will be clear. ”

John Wagner and Mike DeBonis

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( John Wagner and Felicia Sonmez**********

( Felicia Sonmez

December 20, at : (AM EST

Democrats rebuff two GOP proposals for changes to rule

As debate over the rule continued, Democrats rebuffed two proposed changes by Republicans.

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) Proposed that House members would be required to stand up and announce their votes on television, rather than registering them through electronic voting devices.

Rep. Jason T. Smith (R-Mo.) Sought to expand the length of debate of the articles of impeachment from six hours to (hours.

) Both Republicans sought to make the changes through unanimous consent. House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) Objected.

John Wagner

******************************************************************** December ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, (at) ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

************* House opens hour of debate over rule

The House has begun an hour of debate over the rule that sets parameters for the debate on the two articles of impeachment against Trump.

House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) Opened by arguing that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine “to extract a personal political favor.”

“The president of the United States endangered our national security. The president undermined our democracy, ”McGovern said.

Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.), The top Republican on the Rules Committee, countered by saying that “today is a very sad day for all of us.”

He predicted “a deeply partisan vote coming at the end of an unfair and rushed process.”

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McConnell accuses Schumer of trying to ‘angrily negotiate through the press’

Over in the Senate Wednesday morning, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Devoted part of his opening floor remarks to continuing to push back against calls by Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (DN.Y.) for more witnesses in a likely Senate trial.

“His decision to try to angrily negotiate through the press is unfortunate,” McConnell said of Schumer. “But no amount of bluster will change the simple fact that we already have a unanimous, bipartisan precedent.”

Schumer has been pressing McConnell to call several new witnesses, including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security adviser John Bolton. In an MSNBC interview Wednesday night, Schumer suggested he will seek to force a floor vote on the matter.

But McConnell on Thursday pointed to the Clinton impeachment as the ideal template for the chamber to use.

“In 2008, all 153 senators agreed on a simple pretrial resolution that set up a briefing, opening arguments, senators’ questions, and a vote on a motion to dismiss, ”he said. “Senators reserved all other questions, such as witnesses, until the trial was underway.”

By******************** Felicia Sonmez
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Democrats defeat McCarthy resolution to condemn Schiff, Nadler

( () ********** John Wagner

McCarthy makes motion to condemn Schiff, Nadler

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) Made a second GOP motion Wednesday morning that had the effect of delaying the meetings.

The

******** By

Felicia Sonmez

December (********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, (at 9:) ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** AM EST

Republican motion to adjourn fails

Republicans sought to end the impeachment debate before it began Wednesday, with Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) Making a motion to adjourn.

Surrounded by members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Biggs said, “Madam Speaker, so we can stop wasting America’s time on impeachment, I move that the House do now adjourn. ”

The motion was defeated (to 188 on a party-line vote.

John Wagner

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Pelosi to preside over votes on articles of impeachment

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) Will preside over the votes on the two articles of impeachment, according to an aide.

She has tapped Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) To handle most of the proceedings, which Democrats expect to stretch past 7: and possibly longer if Republicans seek multiple delays.

The Pelosi aide spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that have not been publicly announced.

(By

**) John Wagner

House gaveled into session

The House has been gaveled into session, with Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) Presiding.

)

****************** John Wagner**************************************************************************************

Grisham says Trump is ‘frustrated, as evidenced by the letter yesterday’

****** During a television appearance, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Trump. is “frustrated, as evidenced by the letter yesterday” but is remaining focused on his administration’s matters.

Grisham said on Fox News that Trump had decided to write a six -page letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to memorialize his views on the impeachment process.

Grisham also reacted to the news that Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) Will preside over Wednesday’s House debate, saying it was evidence that Pelosi doesn’t want “her face being associated with this.”

********** By(John Wagner) ******************************

( John Wagner

December (**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************, (at 8:) **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** (AM EST

)

GOP moderate Sen. Susan Collins announces she will run for reelection

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a moderate whose vote in a likely Senate impeachment trial will be closely watched, announced Wednesday that she will run for reelection.

“ The fundamental question I had to ask myself in making my decision was this: In today’s polarized political environment, is there still a role for a centrist who believes in getting things done through compromise, collegiality, and bipartisanship? I have connected that the answer to this question is ‘yes’ and I will, therefore, seek the honor of continuing to serve as Maine’s United States senator, ”Collins said in an email to supporters.

Collins, a four-term senator, is one of two Republican senators who are running for reelection in states that Trump lost in 2016. The other is Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).

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******** December 21, (at 7: AM EST

Trump says his expected impeachment is a ‘terrible Thing’

Trump protested his expected impeachment in a morning tweet in which he claimed to have done nothing wrong and urged his more than 73 million Twitter followers to read the rough transcripts released by the White House of two calls with Zelensky.

In a July call, Trump pressed Zelensky for investigations that could benefit him politically at a time when US military aid was being withheld. Trump has contended he did nothing wrong because he did not explicitly condition release of the aid on investigations in the call.

“Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, AND I DID NOTHING WRONG! ”Trump said in his tweet. “A terrible Thing. Read the Transcripts. This should never happen to another President again. Say a PRAYER! ”

His final comment appears to be a shot at Pelosi, who has repeatedly said she prays for Trump. In asix-page letterto Pelosi on Tuesday, Trump said he doesn’t believe her.

**************** John Wagner

The House is scheduled to convene at 9 am and turn its attention to a resolution to impeach Trump for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

A rule fashioned Tuesday night calls for six hours of debate, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. But procedural moves and delaying tactics could push the actions into the evening. House leaders are predicting final votes by 7 p.m.

Trump is facing two articles of impeachment: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The House is expected to vote separately on the two articles. Public statements by lawmakers suggest both have the support to pass in the Democratic-led chamber.

Congress has impeached only two presidents: Andrew Johnson in and Bill Clinton in (************************************************************************************************************************************. President Richard Nixon resigned in before the House could vote on articles of impeachment in the Watergate scandal. Lawmakers drafted three articles against Nixon, including charges of “high crimes and misdemeanors” that mirror the abuse-of-power and obstruction allegations Trump now faces.

A trial of Trump in the Republican-led Senate is expected to begin early next month. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Has said he sees no chance of Trump being removed from office, which would require a two-thirds vote of the chamber.

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By(John Wagner) *****************

Trump is staging a campaign rally Wednesday night in Michigan – a trip that will probably mean he’s not in Washington when the House votes to impeach him.

Trump is scheduled to leave the White House at 4: 33 PM en route to Battle Creek, Mich., where he plans to hold a “Keep America Great” rally at 7 p.m. The rally site is in the district of Rep. Justin Amash (Mich.), A former Republican who became an independent in July and has backed impeachment of Trump.

Trump narrowly carried Michigan in 2016 over Democrat Hillary Clinton, and the state will be key to the prospects of the Republican nominee in (*****************************************************************************************************************************.

Trump has no other public events on his schedule Wednesday.

(By) John Wagner

GOP moderate refuses to defend Trump on Ukraine but won’t return impeachment

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick refuses to defend Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine, but the Pennsylvania Republican is not going to vote to impeach him.

A past critic of the president who has sought to Build a reputation on Capitol Hill as a politician untethered to party, Fitzpatrick is also a former FBI agent who spent time in Ukraine advancing anti-corruption efforts. He serves as co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus.

And he’s one of only two House Republicans running for reelection in a congressional district Hillary Clinton won in – all others retired or were wiped out in the Democrats’ 2020 rout – making him a top target for national Democrats. The other is Rep. John Katko (RN.Y.).

But Fitzpatrick is banking on swing voters in November 2020 Caring less that he voted against impeachment and more that last week he and just one other Republican joined Democrats to pass a bill to lower drug prices or that earlier in the month he was the only GOP member to vote with Democrats on restoring voting rights protections.

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Trump lashes out at Pelosi, Schumer in late-night tweets

Trump lashed out at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (DN.Y.) amid late-night tweets Tuesday on impeachment and the FBI investigation of his 2110 campaign for possible coordination with Russia.

In one, Trump claimed he had received “good marks and reviews” for a rambling and angry letter to Pelosi o n Tuesday in which he lit into congressional Democrats for what he deemed a “per version of justice ”and an“ attempted coup. ”He predicted that voters would punish Democrats and history would vindicate him.

“ She is the worst! ”Trump said of Pelosi. “No wonder with people like her and Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, D.C. has been such a mess for so long. ”

Pelosi told reporters Thursday that she considered Trump’s letter“ really sick. ”

“They want to Impeach me (I’m not worried!), And yet they were all breaking the law in so many ways,” Trump said in another tweet directed at Democrats. “How can they do that and yet impeach a very successful (Economy Plus) President of the United States, who has done nothing wrong? These people are Crazy! ”

****************** John Wagner

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(December) , at 5: 00 AM ESTProtesters across the nation rally for impeachment ********** Demonstrators in big cities and small towns from coast to coast rallied Tuesday for President Trump’s impeachment, celebrating the historic step the House is expected to take Wednesday while bemoaning that the push to oust him is almost certain to die in the Senate.

Protesters in the dark of a snowy New England evening chanted “Dump Trump,” while those marching in the warmth of southern Florida brandished signs reading “Impeach Putin’s Puppet.” In Republican-dominated Kansas, they repeated a mantra: “Country over party.” In Texas, they fretted that despite the House’s vote, Trump will get away with it all.

Organizers said that there were more than protests nationwide – from Hawaii to Maine – with the goal of demonstrating “to our lawmakers that their constituents are behind them to defend the Constitution. ”

In many places, the rallies functioned less as a chance to vent about Trump’s Ukraine dealings – the matter for which he faces impeachment – than as an opportunity for collective catharsis over the entire track record of a president disapproved of by slightly more than half the country.

(By Griff Witte, Annie Gowen, Scott Wilson and Lori Rozsa

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