“The House of Representatives voted on Wednesday open debate on articles of impeachment against President Trump, clearing a key procedural hurdle that moved Democrats a step closer to final votes to charge the president with committing high crimes and misdemeanors,” the New York Times reports.
“The vote paved the way for six hours of what promises to be fierce debate about whether Mr. Trump should be impeached on two articles accusing him of abuse of power and obstructing Congress.”
The Washington Post notes the measure passed, 228 to 197, with two Democrats breaking with their party: Reps. Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ), who has signaled he is about to become a Republican, and Collin Peterson (D-MN). Rep. Justin Amash (I-MI), a former Republican, voted with the Democrats.
If the debate goes according to schedule — which is a big if — the final vote should take place around 7:30 p.m. ET.