The US House of Representatives voted on Wednesday evening to impeach President Donald Trump on both articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Trump became the third president in US history to be impeached.
After long hours of debate, the House voted 230 to 197 to adopt the first of two impeachment articles, one alleging he misused the power of his office to pressure Ukraine to investigate the Bidens. The House voted 229 to 198 on a second article, obstruction of Congress.
The articles of impeachment, the political equivalent of an indictment, now go to the Senate for trial.
The White house said, “Today marks the culmination in the House of one of the most shameful political episodes in the history of our Nation. Without a single Republican vote or any proof of wrongdoing, Democrats pushed illegitimate articles of impeachment through the House of Representatives.”
It further said, “House Democrats blatantly ignored precedent, conducted the inquiry in secret, selectively leaked to media allies, and denied the President fundamental fairness and due process. Their articles lack any support in evidence and fail to describe any impeachable offense.”
“Democrats have lost sight of what this country needs: a Congress that works for the people. Their boundless animus for President Trump fuels their desire to nullify the 2016 election results and improperly influence the 2020 election,” it added.
“The President is confident the Senate will restore regular order, fairness, and due process, and will continue to work tirelessly to address the needs and priorities of the American people, as he has since the day he took office,” it said.
Former Vice President Joe Biden in a tweet said “President Trump abused his power, violated his oath of office, and betrayed our nation. This is a solemn moment for our country. But in the United States of America, no one is above the law — not even the President.”
