Impeachment Clears Last Major Procedural Hurdle Before Final Vote

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi(D-CA) walks to the House floor at the US Capitol, while the House readies for a historic vote on December 18, 2019 in Washington, DC. - President Donald Trump faces becoming only the... Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi(D-CA) walks to the House floor at the US Capitol, while the House readies for a historic vote on December 18, 2019 in Washington, DC. - President Donald Trump faces becoming only the third US leader ever to be impeached on December 18, 2019 with the House of Representatives set for a historic vote that would trigger his trial in the Senate.On the morning of the vote, Trump once again insisted that he had done "nothing wrong," following the release of a letter in which he likened the proceedings to an "attempted coup" and a witch trial. (Photo by Saul LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) MORE LESS

The House of Representatives took a major procedural step Wednesday morning, setting the stage for a historic impeachment vote against President Trump later in the day.

By a 228-197 vote, the House adopted the rules that will dictate how the House will go about voting to impeach President Trump, with the final votes likely happening Wednesday evening.

The rule provides for six hours of debate on the two impeachment articles. It also sets up votes on each individual article of impeachment the House Judiciary Committee transmitted to the House floor: one alleging Trump abused his power in his Ukraine pressure gambit, and one alleging he obstructed Congress’ investigation into the matter.

Additionally the rule gives House Speaker Nancy Pelosi the authority to select House impeachment managers, who will be presenting the House’s case to the Senate when the impeachment trial begins next year.

“If a president undermining our national security and using the federal government for his own selfish personal gain is not impeachable conduct, then, madam speaker, I don’t know what is,” Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D-MA) said in floor remarks ahead of the votes.

His Republican counterpart, ranking member Tom Cole (R-OK), said the House was heading to a “deeply partisan vote” after an”unfair, rushed process.”

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  1. If you were betting would the vote be before or after 8PM ET?

  2. It is a good day for an Impeachment! Such a dirty, dirty, word. He he…

  3. Avatar for dont dont says:

    “Deeply partisan votes” amaze me. Can anyone explain how when 99% of Democrats vote in one direction it is partisan, but when 100% of rethuglicans vote in the opposite direction it is not partisan?

  4. Avatar for dont dont says:

    From this day forward Dec 18 will be know as Happy Tina Day.

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