The US House of Representatives voted on Thursday to approve rules governing next steps in the accountability investigation, launching a new phase of inquiry that poses the biggest threat to President Donald Trump´s presidency so far.
A decision authorizing public hearings and laying the groundwork for final proceedings in the Judicial Committee was passed by 232 votes to 196. All but two Democrats voted in favor of the measure, with all Republican members voting against it. The only independent in the House joined Democrats in voting for passage.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said before the vote: "Unfortunately, this is not a reason for any joy or comfort. This is very majestic, and I doubt that anyone in this place, or anyone you know, comes to Congress to be sworn in, and comes to Congress to dismiss The president of the United States, unless his actions threaten our right to honor our oath. "
This is the first time that the entire House of Representatives has examined the inquiry by the relevant committees in the House, weeks after Republican objections that Democrats are following without a vote on the merits of the investigation. Democrats dismissed the criticism and argued that such a vote to open an inquiry was not required by the constitution, but opted for Thursday´s resolution, stressing that the investigation was already underway.
The House of Representatives formally followed the context of indictment and dismissal only three times in US history. Two presidents, Andrew Johnson (17th) and Bill Clinton (42nd), were eventually dismissed, but were acquitted in the Senate trials. The third, Richard Nixon, resigned when it became clear that he would be removed by the House of Representatives and removed by the Senate.
Before the vote, Republican leaders denounced what they called the "Soviet style" relative to the communist era of the Soviet Union for investigation so far, noting that the use of closed hearings and the failure to follow due process of the president is incompatible with democratic values.
The decision, approved on Thursday, allows the House Intelligence Committee to hold public hearings and draft a report to be handed over to the Judiciary Committee, where President Trump and his lawyer will have the right to cross-examine witnesses and review evidence. Republicans can request witness testimony from any committee, subject to the Democratic president´s approval or a full vote.
After receiving the report and holding its own hearings, the Judicial Committee will be responsible for drafting any subsequent articles of accountability.
