UPDATE: The White House has issued a response.
"This desperate charade of an impeachment inquiry in the House Judiciary Committee has reached its shameful end. The President looks forward to receiving in the Senate the fair treatment and due process which continues to be disgracefully denied to him by the House," White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said.
***Original post***
After more than 12-hours of debate, watching golf and pulling stunts Thursday, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee voted Friday morning to approve two articles of impeachment against President Trump. The first, abuse of power and the second, obstruction of Congress.
Two separate votes were held and both came down on party lines 23-17.
"The House will act expeditiously," Chairman Jerry Nadler said after the vote.
Before the vote, President Trump weighed in.
How do you get Impeached when you have done NOTHING wrong (a perfect call), have created the best economy in the history of our Country, rebuilt our Military, fixed the V.A. (Choice!), cut Taxes & Regs, protected your 2nd A, created Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and soooo much more? Crazy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2019
This is only the third time in U.S. history a president has been impeached in the House Judiciary Committee. While it is likely the full House will vote to approve the articles of impeachment and send them to the Senate for a trial, a number of moderate Democrats in Trump districts appear to be getting cold feet.
During deliberation and debate yesterday, Democrats were caught watching golf and Chairman Nadler fell asleep.
What on earth is Democrat Rep. Cedric Richmond watching on his laptop during this impeachment markup?
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) December 13, 2019
To me, it looks like Rep. Richmond is watching the President’s Cup golf tournament.
Richmond’s actions are a DISGRACE. #StopTheMadness pic.twitter.com/NloZVJCtHc
when you fall asleep in class but then the teacher calls on you pic.twitter.com/6h5gdTwof7
— Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) December 12, 2019
After planning to take a vote late last night, Nadler abruptly ended the hearing and resumed voting Friday morning for a television audience.
Meanwhile, the White House reportedly wants a lengthy Senate trial should articles of impeachment pass the full House sometime next week. The newly hired impeachment team, which includes former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Treasury spokesman Tony Sayegh, say they are more than ready to defend and acquit President Trump of any wrongdoing.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham gave a preview has said he does not want to lend credibility to Democrat efforts to falsely impeach President Trump and gave a preview of how next steps may be handled.
.@LindseyGrahamSC: “need not legitimize” the House Democrats’ dangerous sham impeachment pic.twitter.com/Q6jkWdP3wp
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) December 12, 2019
This post has been updated with additional information.
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