WASHINGTON — For only the third time in history, the House of Representatives will vote today on articles of impeachment against a president.
President Trump has been accused of abuse of power and obstructing Congress. First, the House will debate on the two articles of impeachment for six hours, and then vote separately on each article.
Democrats hold a majority in the House, and most are expected to vote in favor of impeachment. Democrat Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey announced he would vote against impeachment, and Democrat Jared Golden of Maine says he supports only one article.
A few Democrats, including Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, have not said how they will vote. If the House approves the articles, lawmakers will immediately take up a resolution naming managers who will essentially serve as prosecutors in next month’s Senate trial.
“Very sadly, the facts have made clear that the President abused his power for his own personal, political benefit and that he obstructed Congress as he demanded that he is above accountability, above the Constitution, and above the American people,” Pelosi said in a letter to colleagues Tuesday. “During this very prayerful moment in our nation’s history, we must honor our oath to support and defend our Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are already clashing over witnesses in the Senate trial, expected to begin in January, after the Democratic leader requested four witnesses on Monday, including acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security adviser John Bolton, to which McConnell objected.
In the Senate trial, the prosecution will be led by House lawmakers who are known as impeachment managers. The managers are expected to be named after Wednesday’s impeachment vote.
CNN contributed to this article
(PHOTO: Samual Corum/Getty Images)
