Currents News Staff
Dec. 10 marked a dramatic day on Capitol Hill.
After hours of testimony in public and behind closed doors, Democrats have announced two articles of impeachment in their case against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
This marks the fourth time in U.S. history Congress has made such a move.
“The first order of business for members of Congress is the solemn act to take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” explained Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
She, along with House Committee chairmen, announced the two articles of impeachment against President Trump.
“We must be clear: no one, not even the president, is above the law,” said Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler.
The two articles of impeachment are related to the president’s dealings with the Ukraine and the investigation into Trump’s actions.
The Democratic majority in the House makes it all but certain that he will become just the third U.S. president to be impeached.
Democrats debated, but opted not to pursue a third article of impeachment on obstruction of justice related to the Mueller report.
Instead they argued the Ukraine matter illustrates a pattern of behavior on the part of the president.
“To do nothing would make ourselves complicit in the president’s abuse of his high office, the public trust and our national security,” explained Democratic Representative Adam Schiff of the House Intelligence Committee.
After the announcement, President Trump tweeted, “Witch hunt!”
Republicans have been sharply critical of the speed of the proceedings, repeatedly attacking Democrats’ moves less than one year before an election at a public hearing on Monday.
“At the end of the day, all this is about is about a clock and a calendar,” explained Republican Representative and House Judiciary Ranking Member Doug Collins.
The House Judiciary Committee will meet later this week to consider the articles in the lead-up to a full floor vote.