On Wednesday, the House of Representatives is considering two articles of impeachment against Donald J. Trump. Republicans began the day with a series of petty attempts to delay the process—including such silliness as calling a vote to adjourn and send everyone home. The rules of the impeachment itself are designed to limit calls for motions, amendments, and other attempts at pointless delay.
The debate on rules was introduced with an opening statement from House Rules Committee Chair Jim McGovern and Rules Committee ranking member Tom Cole. Just before noon Eastern Time, the House voted to approve the rules of debate on the articles along mostly party lines. This was followed by a reading of the articles of impeachment.
The rules now allows for six hours of debate on the articles of impeachment, divided evenly between the parties. Colorado Representative Diane DeGette is acting as speaker pro tempore. House Judiciary chair Jerry Nadler and ranking member Doug Collins are responsible for managing the time of the parties and directing the course of debate.
Nancy Pelosi opened the debate with a fine call to honor the nation and the Constitution that included a call back to Rep. Elijah Cummings. She sat down to applause. Meanwhile, Nadler has done a very good job of both passing out time and batting down false statements.
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2019 · 6:23:48 PM +00:00 · Mark Sumner
Republican Clay Higgins opens by saying “I have descended into the belly of the beast” and says “we face this horror” (or actually “harr”) because of socialists who want to take away sweet, sweet guns.
Hand that man a Peak White Supremacist Asswipe Award.
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2019 · 6:38:23 PM +00:00 · Mark Sumner
Rep. Zoe Lofgren points out her past experience with impeachment, does a good job of summarizing the situation, and draws parallels between Trump and Nixon. Even so … not sure that we need to hear the same points again. I’d appreciate a bigger arc on the Democratic side.
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2019 · 6:41:35 PM +00:00 · Mark Sumner
Collins, like Cole earlier, is very much hustling through, hoarding time, and being stingy with what he doles out. I don't understand why either is handling it this way, unless they expect something to happen later in the day — or want to give Jim Jordan plenty of spittin’ time.