Live Updates: US House Votes on Trump Impeachment - Video

Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) holds a moment of silence in the House for those who voted for President Trump in 2016.pic.twitter.com/qk3oy2XpSB

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 18, 2019

INCREDIBLE:

In 17 degree weather, thousands of patriots have camped out to see the President of the United States in Michigan

While Democrats debate impeachment, American voters support @realDonaldTrump

Impeach THIS, @SpeakerPelosi!

pic.twitter.com/gidj6qG6mq

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) December 18, 2019

“Some think it’s a good idea. And we need to talk about it”, Steny Hoyer said, adding that Democrats must discuss a delay of sending articles of impeachment to the Senate to prevent the Republican-controlled chamber from discarding the case against President Trump.

“December is such a great month, there are so many great dates in December, we talk about wonderful things that have happened in Decembers in the past. In addition to Christmas being something we celebrate, the Boston Tea Party took place in December but also December 7, 1941, a horrific act happened in the United States, it's when President Roosevelt said, ‘This is a date that will live in infamy’”, Kelly said in a speech during a six-hour impeachment debate on the House floor Wednesday, cited by The Hill.

The Republican senator, who is reportedly slated to retire at the end of his term, added that "today, 18 December 2019, is another date that will live in infamy. When just because you hate the President of the United States, and you can find no other reason other than the fact that you're so blinded by your hate that you can't see straight so you've decided the only way to make sure this president doesn't get elected again is to impeach him”.

No normal person would be able to get away with attempting to extort a foreign power to compromise our country.

But all too often, the most corrupt and powerful people grow so accustomed to life with impunity that standard accountability feels to them like unjust persecution. https://t.co/mjPF1xZogT

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 18, 2019

"When it gets here, my goal is to have as short a trial as possible [...] I am not going to support witnesses being called for by the president. I am not going to support witnesses being called for by Senator Schumer", Republican chairman of the US Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham told reporters on Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday that his participation in the impeachment proceedings will be defined by what the law requires.

"As far for my participation, my participation will continue to be precisely what the law requires," Pompeo said. "I am happy to do document productions. I am 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."

"He gave us no choice. What we are discussing today is the established fact that the president violated the Constitution. It is a matter of fact that the president is an ongoing threat to our national security and the integrity of our elections - the basis of our democracy. If we do not act now, we would be derelict in our duty. It is tragic that the president's reckless actions make impeachment necessary", US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

The US House of Representatives has opened the debate on impeaching President Donald Trump after three hours of discussions ironing out procedural matters.

The rule adopted by the House allows lawmakers a timeframe of up to six hours – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – to proceed to vote on two articles of impeachment at around 6:00 p.m. barring further delays.

"I solemnly and sadly open the debate on the impeachment of the President of the United States. If we don't act now, we would be derelict in our duty", House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in her remarks on the floor. "It is tragic that the President’s reckless actions make impeachment necessary. He gave us no choice".

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy rebuked the Democrats for embarking on an impeachment purely for political reasons with no facts and out of hatred for the US president, as well as a deep-rooted desire to oust him from office.

"This will be their legacy, but will not be the legacy that we want to have repeated", McCarthy said.

New Gallup poll:
Trump's approval the best since April, 45% approve, 51% disapprove. A 12 point swing since impeachment began in October pic.twitter.com/LkDAtIOIYw

— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) December 18, 2019

....won’t convict and remove the President - Then the House should not be Impeaching the President in the first place. If this is the new standard, every President from here on out is impeachable.” Andy McCarthy @FoxNews So well stated. Thank you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2019

The US House of Representatives rejected the Republicans' proposal to suspend the hearing, during which members of congress will debate and vote on impeachment against President Donald Trump.

The proposal was supported by 188 legislators, 226 opposed.

One of our most precious rights as Americans is the right to determine who our leaders are.

The president abused his powers to cheat in the next election and rob us of that right. Then he obstructed Congress to cover it up.

Impeachment is the only remedy. #DefendOurDemocracy

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 18, 2019

They protested his 2016 victory.

Tried to rig the Electoral College.

Objected to certifying the results.

Spied on his transition.

Boycotted his inauguration.

Immediately started impeachment.

Called him illegitimate.

Falsely accused him of treason.

And he’s still winning. pic.twitter.com/tJNiOGUTBE

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 18, 2019

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US House of Representatives convened on Wednesday for a full session to vote on two articles of impeachment that have been filed against President Donald Trump.

The articles of impeachment accuse Trump of abusing power and obstructing justice, charges that House Democrats say fall under the umbrella of "high crimes and misdemeanours" for which a US president can be impeached. 

After the session convened at 9:00 a.m., Republican Congressman Andy Biggs filed a motion to adjourn the proceedings and to stop wasting time on impeachment. The procedural manoeuvre delayed the day's proceedings by forcing the full House to vote on the motion. Democrats defeated the measure.

Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy then brought up a privileged resolution that accused Democratic committee Chairmen Adam Schiff and Jerry Nadler of abusing power.

"I am calling for a vote on a privileged resolution to condemn their actions," McCarthy said, before Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer moved to "table" or suspend consideration of McCarthy's motion. Democrats supported Hoyer's motion.

Republicans are expected to make similar moves throughout the day to protest against the impeachment process. A vote on the two impeachment articles is expected to be held at some point later in the day.

According to the US Constitution, a president shall be removed from office "on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanours."

A majority of the 435-member House must vote in favour of impeaching Trump before moving to the next phase of the process. The House is currently made up of 233 Democrats, 197 Republicans, 1 Independent and has four vacancies.

Once the House Democratic majority votes to impeach on Wednesday, the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to start the formal impeachment trial which is likely to occur in the coming weeks.

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

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2019