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Impeachment live updates: House Judiciary panel debates Trump’s Ukraine conduct as it moves toward approval of articles of impeachment Impeachment live updates: House Judiciary panel debates Trump’s Ukraine conduct as it moves toward approval of articles of impeachment
(32 minutes later)
Democrats and Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee engaged in a rancorous debate over President Trump’s conduct regarding Ukraine on Thursday as they moved toward approval of two articles of impeachment.Democrats and Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee engaged in a rancorous debate over President Trump’s conduct regarding Ukraine on Thursday as they moved toward approval of two articles of impeachment.
Trump is just the fourth president in U.S. history to face the prospect of impeachment for alleged misconduct in office. A vote is expected by the full House next week.Trump is just the fourth president in U.S. history to face the prospect of impeachment for alleged misconduct in office. A vote is expected by the full House next week.
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 2016 presidential election.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 2016 presidential election.
●Senate Republicans look to hold a short impeachment trial despite Trump’s desire for an aggressive defense.●Senate Republicans look to hold a short impeachment trial despite Trump’s desire for an aggressive defense.
●House Democrats brace for some defections among moderates on impeachment of Trump.●House Democrats brace for some defections among moderates on impeachment of Trump.
●In new legal memo, White House budget office defends withholding aid to Ukraine.●In new legal memo, White House budget office defends withholding aid to Ukraine.
How impeachment works | House resolution impeaching Trump | House Intelligence Committee’s impeachment inquiry report | Key figures on the House Judiciary CommitteeHow impeachment works | House resolution impeaching Trump | House Intelligence Committee’s impeachment inquiry report | Key figures on the House Judiciary Committee
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Tex.), one of two lawmakers targeted by Trump in an earlier tweet, responded with one of her own in which she used a Russian salutation.
Приве́т, @realdonaldTrump.The fact of the matter is that if a local official abused his power like you did, he’d be in jail. If that official failed to respond to subpoenas and obstructed an investigation, he’d be in jail. No one is above the law, not even you. https://t.co/AjGDRwKfPB
“The fact of the matter is that if a local official abused his power like you did, he’d be in jail,” Escobar said in her tweet directed at Trump. “If that official failed to respond to subpoenas and obstructed an investigation, he’d be in jail. No one is above the law, not even you.”
In his earlier tweet, Trump accused Escobar of misrepresenting part of his July phone call with Zelensky.
A Republican amendment to strike the impeachment article on abuse of power was defeated 23 to 17 after nearly three hours of debate.A Republican amendment to strike the impeachment article on abuse of power was defeated 23 to 17 after nearly three hours of debate.
The markup had slowed to a crawl as lawmakers got entangled in miscellaneous arguments about impeachment, Trump’s actions toward Ukraine and the opposing party.The markup had slowed to a crawl as lawmakers got entangled in miscellaneous arguments about impeachment, Trump’s actions toward Ukraine and the opposing party.
The amendment, from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), proposed to strike the entire first impeachment article charging Trump with abuse of power. But lawmakers stopped referring to it as the discussion degenerated into a rehash of partisan talking points.The amendment, from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), proposed to strike the entire first impeachment article charging Trump with abuse of power. But lawmakers stopped referring to it as the discussion degenerated into a rehash of partisan talking points.
There were several nasty moments.There were several nasty moments.
The top Republican on the panel, Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), took the unusual step of objecting to Democrats’ unanimous consent requests to insert media articles into the record.The top Republican on the panel, Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), took the unusual step of objecting to Democrats’ unanimous consent requests to insert media articles into the record.
When Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) asked to submit several major newspaper editorials that called for Trump’s impeachment, Collins blocked it, saying, “I want to read it.”When Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) asked to submit several major newspaper editorials that called for Trump’s impeachment, Collins blocked it, saying, “I want to read it.”
“I’d love for him to read them,” Cohen said, drawing a rebuke from Collins.“I’d love for him to read them,” Cohen said, drawing a rebuke from Collins.
Nearly every lawmaker on the 41-member panel took the opportunity to speak, using motions to “strike the last word” to gain recognition from the chair.Nearly every lawmaker on the 41-member panel took the opportunity to speak, using motions to “strike the last word” to gain recognition from the chair.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) signaled Thursday that he would support a short impeachment trial in the Senate.House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) signaled Thursday that he would support a short impeachment trial in the Senate.
“If it goes over to the Senate, I don’t think it should have to last too long,” McCarthy said at his weekly news conference.“If it goes over to the Senate, I don’t think it should have to last too long,” McCarthy said at his weekly news conference.
His assessment is in line with a growing sentiment among Senate Republicans, but such a plan could clash with Trump’s desire to stage a public defense of his actions toward Ukraine that would include testimony the White House believes would damage its political rivals.His assessment is in line with a growing sentiment among Senate Republicans, but such a plan could clash with Trump’s desire to stage a public defense of his actions toward Ukraine that would include testimony the White House believes would damage its political rivals.
McCarthy said the Democratic case lacked compelling facts.McCarthy said the Democratic case lacked compelling facts.
“If you had a fair process, we’d never be here,” he said.“If you had a fair process, we’d never be here,” he said.
Moderate Democrats are voicing support for the articles of impeachment, as the House Judiciary Committee prepares to send them to the House floor.Moderate Democrats are voicing support for the articles of impeachment, as the House Judiciary Committee prepares to send them to the House floor.
Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) said in a statement Thursday that he would support both articles of impeachment, noting that Trump’s actions regarding Ukraine “were illegal and he obstructed justice by refusing to cooperate with Congressional investigations.”Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) said in a statement Thursday that he would support both articles of impeachment, noting that Trump’s actions regarding Ukraine “were illegal and he obstructed justice by refusing to cooperate with Congressional investigations.”
The Judiciary Committee actually stopped short of filing an article on obstruction of justice; the two articles up for debate are abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.The Judiciary Committee actually stopped short of filing an article on obstruction of justice; the two articles up for debate are abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.) told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Thursday that the two articles “go together,” and that the “the story’s clear” on what Trump did – meaning the House needs “to carry out our own obligations” and impeach him. Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.) told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Thursday that the two articles “go together,” and that the “the story’s clear” on what Trump did — meaning the House needs “to carry out our own obligations” and impeach him.
Lamb stressed that he found Trump’s efforts to keep witnesses from Congress – and the GOP’s support for that – egregious. “I don’t think you can hide the ball and, at the same time, try to point to gaps in the evidence,” he said to the newspaper. “That’s just not credible.” Lamb stressed that he found Trump’s efforts to keep witnesses from Congress — and the GOP’s support for that — egregious. “I don’t think you can hide the ball and, at the same time, try to point to gaps in the evidence,” he said to the newspaper. “That’s just not credible.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) betrayed no concern Thursday about the prospect of additional Democratic defections when impeachment comes to the House floor next week.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) betrayed no concern Thursday about the prospect of additional Democratic defections when impeachment comes to the House floor next week.
“This is a vote that people are going to have to come to their own conclusions on,” she said at a weekly news conference. “People will vote the way they vote.”“This is a vote that people are going to have to come to their own conclusions on,” she said at a weekly news conference. “People will vote the way they vote.”
Two Democrats opposed an Oct. 31 resolution setting rules for the impeachment inquiry: Reps. Collin C. Peterson (Minn.) and Jeff Van Drew (N.J.). Democratic aides believe a handful more may follow on the actual impeachment vote but nowhere near enough to imperil passage of the two articles.Two Democrats opposed an Oct. 31 resolution setting rules for the impeachment inquiry: Reps. Collin C. Peterson (Minn.) and Jeff Van Drew (N.J.). Democratic aides believe a handful more may follow on the actual impeachment vote but nowhere near enough to imperil passage of the two articles.
Pelosi also responded sharply to Trump’s suggestion at a Tuesday campaign rally that Democrats were pursuing “impeachment light.”Pelosi also responded sharply to Trump’s suggestion at a Tuesday campaign rally that Democrats were pursuing “impeachment light.”
“The president is wrong,” she said. “What can I say?”“The president is wrong,” she said. “What can I say?”
Pelosi spent much of her news conference touting a major prescription drug bill set to pass the House today as well as an agriculture worker bill passed Wednesday and the North American trade agreement set for a vote next week.Pelosi spent much of her news conference touting a major prescription drug bill set to pass the House today as well as an agriculture worker bill passed Wednesday and the North American trade agreement set for a vote next week.
“I think it’s pretty exciting,” Pelosi said of the legislative action.“I think it’s pretty exciting,” Pelosi said of the legislative action.
Republican lawmakers dismissed U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland as an unreliable witness in the impeachment inquiry and criticized Intelligence Committee Democrats for citing his testimony in their report.Republican lawmakers dismissed U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland as an unreliable witness in the impeachment inquiry and criticized Intelligence Committee Democrats for citing his testimony in their report.
Reps. Ken Buck (Colo.) and Jim Jordan (Ohio) noted that Sondland said repeatedly during his closed-door deposition that he did not recall key facts, only to revise his testimony later with some of those facts filled in.Reps. Ken Buck (Colo.) and Jim Jordan (Ohio) noted that Sondland said repeatedly during his closed-door deposition that he did not recall key facts, only to revise his testimony later with some of those facts filled in.
“Ambassador Sondland is your star witness? Really? You’re basing an impeachment on Ambassador Sondland’s testimony?” Buck said.“Ambassador Sondland is your star witness? Really? You’re basing an impeachment on Ambassador Sondland’s testimony?” Buck said.
He predicted that Sondland’s account of the alleged quid pro quo would be picked apart during a Senate impeachment trial.He predicted that Sondland’s account of the alleged quid pro quo would be picked apart during a Senate impeachment trial.
Jordan called Sondland “the guy who presumed there was a quid pro quo” and “the guy who had to file an addendum to his deposition testimony.”Jordan called Sondland “the guy who presumed there was a quid pro quo” and “the guy who had to file an addendum to his deposition testimony.”
Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md.) sought to turn the tables by noting that Sondland was Trump’s pick for E.U. ambassador.Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md.) sought to turn the tables by noting that Sondland was Trump’s pick for E.U. ambassador.
“They don’t like him now because he clarified his testimony to say that yes, there was a definitely a quid pro quo at the heart of this whole thing,” Raskin said. “Of course, they [Republicans] turn on the president’s own ambassador.”“They don’t like him now because he clarified his testimony to say that yes, there was a definitely a quid pro quo at the heart of this whole thing,” Raskin said. “Of course, they [Republicans] turn on the president’s own ambassador.”
Trump weighed in on the Judiciary Committee deliberations for a second time, resurrecting a claim that military aid to Ukraine was withheld in part to try to get other nations to contribute a greater share.Trump weighed in on the Judiciary Committee deliberations for a second time, resurrecting a claim that military aid to Ukraine was withheld in part to try to get other nations to contribute a greater share.
“I also have constantly asked, ‘Why aren’t Germany, France and other European countries helping Ukraine more?’” Trump tweeted. “They are the biggest beneficiaries. Why is it always the good ol’ United States? The Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, never mention this at their phony hearing!” “I also have constantly asked, ‘Why aren’t Germany, France and other European countries helping Ukraine more?’” Trump tweeted. “They are the biggest beneficiaries. Why is it always the good ol’ United States? The Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, never mention this at their phony hearing!”
U.S. aid to Ukraine resumed without a change in levels of aid from those countries.U.S. aid to Ukraine resumed without a change in levels of aid from those countries.
Trump cites corruption in Kyiv and European stinginess to justify actions on Ukraine. Neither rationale withstands close scrutiny.Trump cites corruption in Kyiv and European stinginess to justify actions on Ukraine. Neither rationale withstands close scrutiny.
European nations have far outpaced the United States in Ukraine, spending $18.3 billion since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched an ongoing separatist war in the eastern part of the country that has left at least 13,000 people dead.European nations have far outpaced the United States in Ukraine, spending $18.3 billion since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched an ongoing separatist war in the eastern part of the country that has left at least 13,000 people dead.
The bulk of the money — $16.8 billion — came from the European Union and regional international development banks, including the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, to which the United States is also a major donor.The bulk of the money — $16.8 billion — came from the European Union and regional international development banks, including the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, to which the United States is also a major donor.
The rest, $1.5 billion, came bilaterally from the 28 E.U. countries. Aid has paid for everything from tents and food for refugees to helping train firefighters and paramedics, to more esoteric projects such as identifying and protecting old-growth forests in western Ukraine’s Carpathian mountains.The rest, $1.5 billion, came bilaterally from the 28 E.U. countries. Aid has paid for everything from tents and food for refugees to helping train firefighters and paramedics, to more esoteric projects such as identifying and protecting old-growth forests in western Ukraine’s Carpathian mountains.
Trump weighed in on the debate during real time on Twitter, accusing two Democratic lawmakers of “purposely misquoting” him in a July call in which he pressed Zelensky for investigations that could benefit him politically.Trump weighed in on the debate during real time on Twitter, accusing two Democratic lawmakers of “purposely misquoting” him in a July call in which he pressed Zelensky for investigations that could benefit him politically.
According to a rough transcript of the call released by the White House, after the Ukrainian president brought up the possibility of purchasing additional military equipment, Trump responded by asking Zelensky to “do us a favor, though.”According to a rough transcript of the call released by the White House, after the Ukrainian president brought up the possibility of purchasing additional military equipment, Trump responded by asking Zelensky to “do us a favor, though.”
“I said I want you to do us (our Country!) a favor, not me a favor,” Trump said in his tweet. “They know that but decided to LIE in order to make a fraudulent point! Very sad.”“I said I want you to do us (our Country!) a favor, not me a favor,” Trump said in his tweet. “They know that but decided to LIE in order to make a fraudulent point! Very sad.”
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a staunch ally of the president, was making a similar point, before the committee.Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a staunch ally of the president, was making a similar point, before the committee.
Trump’s tweet — which suggested he was watching on television — targeted Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-Tex.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.).Trump’s tweet — which suggested he was watching on television — targeted Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-Tex.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.).
The elders of the House Judiciary Committee are waging a partisan side battle over whether the effort to impeach Trump holds up in comparison to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.The elders of the House Judiciary Committee are waging a partisan side battle over whether the effort to impeach Trump holds up in comparison to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.), who sat on the Judiciary Committee when it considered Clinton’s impeachment in 1998, argued that “it’s obvious to the American public that this is a railroad job,” insinuating Democrats were rushing the matter through Congress.Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.), who sat on the Judiciary Committee when it considered Clinton’s impeachment in 1998, argued that “it’s obvious to the American public that this is a railroad job,” insinuating Democrats were rushing the matter through Congress.
He also complained that the majority of Republicans on the Judiciary Committee had not been allowed into the House Intelligence Committee’s closed-door process because Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) “kicked them out.” During Clinton’s impeachment, Sensenbrenner said, “both sides were allowed to present whatever witnesses they wanted to.”He also complained that the majority of Republicans on the Judiciary Committee had not been allowed into the House Intelligence Committee’s closed-door process because Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) “kicked them out.” During Clinton’s impeachment, Sensenbrenner said, “both sides were allowed to present whatever witnesses they wanted to.”
Twelve of the 17 witnesses the House Intelligence Committee interviewed during its closed-door investigation appeared for public hearings as well.Twelve of the 17 witnesses the House Intelligence Committee interviewed during its closed-door investigation appeared for public hearings as well.
During the Clinton impeachment, the House Judiciary Committee did not hear from fact witnesses either. Sensenbrenner appeared to partly acknowledge this — and then excused it by noting that independent counsel “Kenneth Starr did all the grunt work of putting together the facts.”During the Clinton impeachment, the House Judiciary Committee did not hear from fact witnesses either. Sensenbrenner appeared to partly acknowledge this — and then excused it by noting that independent counsel “Kenneth Starr did all the grunt work of putting together the facts.”
That sparked a sharp retort from Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.), who was also in Congress during Clinton’s impeachment.That sparked a sharp retort from Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.), who was also in Congress during Clinton’s impeachment.
“Let me be very clear of the distinctive difference that we had then at that time,” she said. “The Congress was not privy to any of that investigation.”“Let me be very clear of the distinctive difference that we had then at that time,” she said. “The Congress was not privy to any of that investigation.”
“The Congress received a report,” she added, just like the House Judiciary Committee received one from the Intelligence Committee.“The Congress received a report,” she added, just like the House Judiciary Committee received one from the Intelligence Committee.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif), a senior Judiciary Committee member who served through the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, sought to cast Republicans as hypocrites for impeaching Clinton for lying about a sexual affair while refusing to hold Trump accountable for pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival.Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif), a senior Judiciary Committee member who served through the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, sought to cast Republicans as hypocrites for impeaching Clinton for lying about a sexual affair while refusing to hold Trump accountable for pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival.
Lofgren chimed in after Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), a senior Judiciary Committee member who also was present for Clinton’s impeachment, argued that “the biggest difference in the Clinton impeachment and this one is that President Clinton committed a crime, perjury.”Lofgren chimed in after Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), a senior Judiciary Committee member who also was present for Clinton’s impeachment, argued that “the biggest difference in the Clinton impeachment and this one is that President Clinton committed a crime, perjury.”
“This president isn’t even accused of committing a crime!” he said.“This president isn’t even accused of committing a crime!” he said.
Lofgren pushed back on that argument, suggesting it was absurd for Republicans to impeach Clinton over denying a relationship but not Trump for his pressure on Ukraine.Lofgren pushed back on that argument, suggesting it was absurd for Republicans to impeach Clinton over denying a relationship but not Trump for his pressure on Ukraine.
“I would just like to note that the argument that somehow lying about a sexual affair is an abuse of presidential power, but the misuse of presidential power to get a benefit somehow doesn’t matter,” she said. “If it’s lying about sex, we could put Stormy Daniels’s case ahead of us. We don’t believe that’s a high crime and misdemeanor. No. And it is not before us. And it should not be for us, because it’s not an abuse of presidential power.”“I would just like to note that the argument that somehow lying about a sexual affair is an abuse of presidential power, but the misuse of presidential power to get a benefit somehow doesn’t matter,” she said. “If it’s lying about sex, we could put Stormy Daniels’s case ahead of us. We don’t believe that’s a high crime and misdemeanor. No. And it is not before us. And it should not be for us, because it’s not an abuse of presidential power.”
Daniels, an adult film actress, has alleged an affair with Trump more than a decade ago. Trump has denied the relationship.Daniels, an adult film actress, has alleged an affair with Trump more than a decade ago. Trump has denied the relationship.
For many viewers, it may be the first time watching a congressional committee markup. Here’s a quick primer on some of the jargon lawmakers are using.For many viewers, it may be the first time watching a congressional committee markup. Here’s a quick primer on some of the jargon lawmakers are using.
●Point of order: Used by a member to allege a violation of a rule and ask that the chairman enforce it.●Point of order: Used by a member to allege a violation of a rule and ask that the chairman enforce it.
●Strike the last word: A member uses this to get more time to speak on an amendment, by asking to delete the last word in the amendment and then offering an amendment to replace that word.●Strike the last word: A member uses this to get more time to speak on an amendment, by asking to delete the last word in the amendment and then offering an amendment to replace that word.
●Substitute amendment: An amendment, usually offered by the chairman, that replaces the entire text of a measure. Sometimes it’s small grammatical tweaks, but it can also be more substantial.●Substitute amendment: An amendment, usually offered by the chairman, that replaces the entire text of a measure. Sometimes it’s small grammatical tweaks, but it can also be more substantial.
●Parliamentary inquiry: A member interrupts to ask a question about procedure. The chairman can decide whether to engage.●Parliamentary inquiry: A member interrupts to ask a question about procedure. The chairman can decide whether to engage.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) offered an amendment to strike the first article that charges Trump with abuse of power because, he argued, there was “no quid pro quo.”Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) offered an amendment to strike the first article that charges Trump with abuse of power because, he argued, there was “no quid pro quo.”
Jordan, one of Trump’s most trusted allies on the Hill, then ticked off many now-familiar GOP arguments against impeachment, including that there was never an announcement by Zelensky of an investigation into Joe Biden and the withheld military aid was eventually released.Jordan, one of Trump’s most trusted allies on the Hill, then ticked off many now-familiar GOP arguments against impeachment, including that there was never an announcement by Zelensky of an investigation into Joe Biden and the withheld military aid was eventually released.
“Article 1 in this resolution ignores the truth. It ignores the facts. . . . It ignores what happened and what has been laid out for the American people over the last three weeks,” Jordan said.“Article 1 in this resolution ignores the truth. It ignores the facts. . . . It ignores what happened and what has been laid out for the American people over the last three weeks,” Jordan said.
Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.) responded, repeating the entire case against Trump point by point. Cicilline said there’s ample direct evidence of Trump’s desire to abuse his power.Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.) responded, repeating the entire case against Trump point by point. Cicilline said there’s ample direct evidence of Trump’s desire to abuse his power.
Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) noted that Trump did not accept a Democratic offer to “advocate for his views” before the Judiciary Committee and to “submit requested witnesses” as part of the impeachment inquiry.Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) noted that Trump did not accept a Democratic offer to “advocate for his views” before the Judiciary Committee and to “submit requested witnesses” as part of the impeachment inquiry.
“He chose not to attend, and he chose not to suggest any witnesses,” Deutch said in response to Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the panel’s top Republican, who accused Democrats of running an unfair process.“He chose not to attend, and he chose not to suggest any witnesses,” Deutch said in response to Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the panel’s top Republican, who accused Democrats of running an unfair process.
“So before telling us the sky is falling and there is great disrespect for the rules, it’s important to actually look at [what happened],” Deutch said before Collins cut him off.“So before telling us the sky is falling and there is great disrespect for the rules, it’s important to actually look at [what happened],” Deutch said before Collins cut him off.
“Let’s be careful in the way we suggest that rules are being violated when everything that’s being done here is consistent with more than 50 years of interpretation of the rules,” he said later. “Facts really do matter.”“Let’s be careful in the way we suggest that rules are being violated when everything that’s being done here is consistent with more than 50 years of interpretation of the rules,” he said later. “Facts really do matter.”
Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.) offered the first amendment of the markup, amending the impeachment resolution to change references to “Donald J. Trump” to “Donald John Trump.”Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.) offered the first amendment of the markup, amending the impeachment resolution to change references to “Donald J. Trump” to “Donald John Trump.”
It’s unclear what prompted the change.It’s unclear what prompted the change.
Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the committee, said the change shows “the absurdity of where we’re at.”Rep. Douglas A. Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the committee, said the change shows “the absurdity of where we’re at.”
The chairman’s amendment is called a “substitute amendment.” Every amendment going forward will be an amendment to that amendment. The substitute will be voted on at the very end of the markup with any other changes made.The chairman’s amendment is called a “substitute amendment.” Every amendment going forward will be an amendment to that amendment. The substitute will be voted on at the very end of the markup with any other changes made.
House Judiciary Committee Republicans launched their first procedural attack at the impeachment markup right away Thursday, protesting Chairman Jerrold Nadler’s (D-N.Y.) refusal to respond to a request for a minority hearing day on impeachment.House Judiciary Committee Republicans launched their first procedural attack at the impeachment markup right away Thursday, protesting Chairman Jerrold Nadler’s (D-N.Y.) refusal to respond to a request for a minority hearing day on impeachment.
Rep. Douglas A. Collins (R-Ga.) asked the majority Dec. 4 to schedule a hearing for them to call their own witnesses on behalf of Trump, citing House rules allowing for the minority to have such events on major issues. Nadler, Collins said Thursday, had yet to respond to the letter, even as Democrats moved to mark up impeachment articles and eyed floor action as soon as next week.Rep. Douglas A. Collins (R-Ga.) asked the majority Dec. 4 to schedule a hearing for them to call their own witnesses on behalf of Trump, citing House rules allowing for the minority to have such events on major issues. Nadler, Collins said Thursday, had yet to respond to the letter, even as Democrats moved to mark up impeachment articles and eyed floor action as soon as next week.
“The House rule does not require me to schedule a hearing on a particular day,” Nadler said at the committee meeting. “Nor does it require me to schedule the hearing as a condition precedent to taking any specific legislative action. Otherwise, the minority would have the ability to delay or block majority legislative action, which is clearly not the purpose of the rule.”“The House rule does not require me to schedule a hearing on a particular day,” Nadler said at the committee meeting. “Nor does it require me to schedule the hearing as a condition precedent to taking any specific legislative action. Otherwise, the minority would have the ability to delay or block majority legislative action, which is clearly not the purpose of the rule.”
Collins blasted Democrats for trampling minority rights: “Minority rights are dead in this committee.”Collins blasted Democrats for trampling minority rights: “Minority rights are dead in this committee.”
Madeline Strasser, the Judiciary Committee’s chief clerk, read in full the nine-page resolution that includes the two articles of impeachment.Madeline Strasser, the Judiciary Committee’s chief clerk, read in full the nine-page resolution that includes the two articles of impeachment.
It concludes that Trump “has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law.”It concludes that Trump “has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law.”
“President Trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States,” the resolution says.“President Trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States,” the resolution says.
A Democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee is missing the markup of articles of impeachment after undergoing stent surgery on Tuesday.A Democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee is missing the markup of articles of impeachment after undergoing stent surgery on Tuesday.
Rep. Ted Lieu (Calif.) was absent Wednesday night and Thursday morning following his admission to George Washington University Hospital for chest pain on Monday evening. His chief of staff, Marc Cevasco, announced in a statement that Lieu underwent stent surgery after a CT scan revealed partial blockage of an artery. He said Lieu “plans to be back at work next week” and “does plan to watch a lot of TV as he recovers.”Rep. Ted Lieu (Calif.) was absent Wednesday night and Thursday morning following his admission to George Washington University Hospital for chest pain on Monday evening. His chief of staff, Marc Cevasco, announced in a statement that Lieu underwent stent surgery after a CT scan revealed partial blockage of an artery. He said Lieu “plans to be back at work next week” and “does plan to watch a lot of TV as he recovers.”
Lieu is an outspoken Trump critic who frequently comments on the impeachment proceedings to his 1.2 million Twitter followers.Lieu is an outspoken Trump critic who frequently comments on the impeachment proceedings to his 1.2 million Twitter followers.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has gaveled the meeting open to continue consideration of a resolution with two articles of impeachment against Trump.House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has gaveled the meeting open to continue consideration of a resolution with two articles of impeachment against Trump.
As the Judiciary Committee prepared to reconvene, Trump renewed his attacks on Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.).As the Judiciary Committee prepared to reconvene, Trump renewed his attacks on Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.).
Amid a continuing spate of tweets and retweets, Trump highlighted his claim earlier this month that Schiff is “a totally corrupt politician.”Amid a continuing spate of tweets and retweets, Trump highlighted his claim earlier this month that Schiff is “a totally corrupt politician.”
“Very sad!” Trump said of Schiff, whose committee drafted a 300-page report on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine that is the basis for the articles of impeachment.“Very sad!” Trump said of Schiff, whose committee drafted a 300-page report on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine that is the basis for the articles of impeachment.
Trump returned to Twitter early Thursday morning to push back on Democratic efforts to impeach him.Trump returned to Twitter early Thursday morning to push back on Democratic efforts to impeach him.
In one tweet, he said that new polls show most Americans oppose impeachment, attributing that information to the Fox News show “Fox & Friends.”In one tweet, he said that new polls show most Americans oppose impeachment, attributing that information to the Fox News show “Fox & Friends.”
Some polls in recent days have showed a slim majority opposed to removing Trump from office, but others have showed slightly more Americans in favor of removing than keeping him.Some polls in recent days have showed a slim majority opposed to removing Trump from office, but others have showed slightly more Americans in favor of removing than keeping him.
In a Monmouth University poll released this week, 45 percent of Americans said they think that Trump should be impeached and removed from office, while 50 percent disagreed.In a Monmouth University poll released this week, 45 percent of Americans said they think that Trump should be impeached and removed from office, while 50 percent disagreed.
Meanwhile, an Economist-YouGov poll showed that 44 percent of Americans support the Senate removing Trump if he is impeached by the House, while 40 percent were opposed.Meanwhile, an Economist-YouGov poll showed that 44 percent of Americans support the Senate removing Trump if he is impeached by the House, while 40 percent were opposed.
Trump proceeded to tweet and retweet the assessment of Republican lawmakers and conservative pundits that he should not be removed from office. Many of the tweets included clips of Republicans arguing against impeachment at Wednesday night’s meeting of the House Judiciary Committee.Trump proceeded to tweet and retweet the assessment of Republican lawmakers and conservative pundits that he should not be removed from office. Many of the tweets included clips of Republicans arguing against impeachment at Wednesday night’s meeting of the House Judiciary Committee.
The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to resume consideration of the two articles of impeachment against Trump — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — at 9 a.m.The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to resume consideration of the two articles of impeachment against Trump — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — at 9 a.m.
After opening statements Wednesday night from the panel’s members, amendments to the articles will be considered Thursday in a session expected to stretch several hours.After opening statements Wednesday night from the panel’s members, amendments to the articles will be considered Thursday in a session expected to stretch several hours.
Democrats are confident they have the votes to approve both articles, setting up votes by the full House next week before the holiday break.Democrats are confident they have the votes to approve both articles, setting up votes by the full House next week before the holiday break.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said a trial would begin in his chamber in early January. Senate Republicans are coalescing around a strategy of holding a short impeachment trial early next year that would include no witnesses.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said a trial would begin in his chamber in early January. Senate Republicans are coalescing around a strategy of holding a short impeachment trial early next year that would include no witnesses.
Congress has impeached only two presidents: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 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.Congress has impeached only two presidents: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 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.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to host an annual congressional ball at the White House on Thursday night.Trump and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to host an annual congressional ball at the White House on Thursday night.
The event, listed on Trump’s public schedule at 7 p.m., could provide an incentive for Republican lawmakers to wind down their efforts at the House Judiciary Committee by then.The event, listed on Trump’s public schedule at 7 p.m., could provide an incentive for Republican lawmakers to wind down their efforts at the House Judiciary Committee by then.
Trump’s schedule for Thursday also includes remarks at a White House summit on child care and paid leave, scheduled for 11:15 a.m.Trump’s schedule for Thursday also includes remarks at a White House summit on child care and paid leave, scheduled for 11:15 a.m.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), a key figure in the impeachment inquiry, is booked to appear Thursday night on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), a key figure in the impeachment inquiry, is booked to appear Thursday night on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”
By the time the CBS program airs at 11:35 p.m. Eastern time, the House Judiciary Committee is expected to have approved two articles of impeachment against Trump.By the time the CBS program airs at 11:35 p.m. Eastern time, the House Judiciary Committee is expected to have approved two articles of impeachment against Trump.
Schiff’s panel conducted depositions and public hearings and drafted a 300-page report on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine that is the basis for the articles of impeachment.Schiff’s panel conducted depositions and public hearings and drafted a 300-page report on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine that is the basis for the articles of impeachment.
In a letter to Republicans urging them to vote against the impeachment articles, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) claims that Democrats have failed to make their case.In a letter to Republicans urging them to vote against the impeachment articles, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) claims that Democrats have failed to make their case.
“The impeachment inquiry has been rigged from the start, lacking fairness, transparency and most importantly, facts,” he says in the letter, distributed late Wednesday night. “The sham articles of impeachment were written based on a report that was drafted with presumptions, cherry-picked witnesses, lack of input by the minority and the President, and contested facts. Even with the deck stacked in their favor, Democrats have failed to make their case because no impeachable actions occurred.”“The impeachment inquiry has been rigged from the start, lacking fairness, transparency and most importantly, facts,” he says in the letter, distributed late Wednesday night. “The sham articles of impeachment were written based on a report that was drafted with presumptions, cherry-picked witnesses, lack of input by the minority and the President, and contested facts. Even with the deck stacked in their favor, Democrats have failed to make their case because no impeachable actions occurred.”
Scalise contends that the article alleging abuse of power “does not cite any crime or facts on improper actions taken by President Trump.”Scalise contends that the article alleging abuse of power “does not cite any crime or facts on improper actions taken by President Trump.”
The article alleging obstruction of Congress “ignores long-standing constitutional privileges exercised by the President that have historically been negotiated with Congress and adjudicated by the Courts,” he says.The article alleging obstruction of Congress “ignores long-standing constitutional privileges exercised by the President that have historically been negotiated with Congress and adjudicated by the Courts,” he says.
During Wednesday night’s three and a half hours of opening statements, Democrats and Republicans cast the impeachment vote in the context of history, each warning the other would end up on the wrong side of it.During Wednesday night’s three and a half hours of opening statements, Democrats and Republicans cast the impeachment vote in the context of history, each warning the other would end up on the wrong side of it.
“To my Republican colleagues, fighting when it’s comfortable is easy. Running and hiding is easy. But it doesn’t leave a legacy. How do you want to be remembered during this watershed moment in our nation’s history?” Cedric L. Richmond (D-La.) asked.“To my Republican colleagues, fighting when it’s comfortable is easy. Running and hiding is easy. But it doesn’t leave a legacy. How do you want to be remembered during this watershed moment in our nation’s history?” Cedric L. Richmond (D-La.) asked.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) asked: “Will one, just one of my Republican colleagues, say it would be wrong for any president to commit the conduct the president has been accused of?”Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) asked: “Will one, just one of my Republican colleagues, say it would be wrong for any president to commit the conduct the president has been accused of?”
Several Republicans said it was the Democrats who were doing a disservice to the country.Several Republicans said it was the Democrats who were doing a disservice to the country.
“I was going to make a request to my colleagues and for the outside as well, to put country over party,” Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) said. “The founders of this country warned against a single party impeachment. You know why? Because they feared it would divide our nation.”“I was going to make a request to my colleagues and for the outside as well, to put country over party,” Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) said. “The founders of this country warned against a single party impeachment. You know why? Because they feared it would divide our nation.”
“Tomorrow we write history, a history that cannot be undone,” said Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.). “The American people deserve a process that is led by our promise to protect and defend the Constitution. The American people simply deserve better.”“Tomorrow we write history, a history that cannot be undone,” said Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.). “The American people deserve a process that is led by our promise to protect and defend the Constitution. The American people simply deserve better.”