Picture : Twitter / ANI
United States House of Representatives on Wednesday night impeached President Donald Trump on two counts — abuse of power and obstructing the Congress, reported PTI.
The first article of impeachment, abuse of power, was on party lines with 230 to 197 votes.
The second article of impeachment, obstruction to the Congress, was voted 229-198 votes.
President Trump soon tweeted his reaction after impeachment
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2019
The White House described the impeachment as one of the most shameful political episodes in the history of the US.
All four Democratic Indian American members of the House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump.
The impeachment now moves to the Senate where Supreme Court Chief Justice would preside over the trial.
Given that the ruling Republicans have majority in the 100-member Senate, political analysts say that impeachment is likely to fail and the Democrats might not be able to unseat Trump from the Oval Office.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would hold an impeachment trial early next year. Democrats need two-third majority in the Senate to convict Trump.
“If we do not act now, we would be derelict in our duty. It is tragic that the President’s reckless actions make impeachment necessary. He gave us no choice,” Democratic leader and House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in her remarks on the floor of the House.
“There is a rush-job … because they want to influence the 2020 elections,” Republcian Jim Sensenbrenner said.
