House endorses Trump impeachment inquiry - what happens next?
Televised hearings on the horizon as process shifts up a gear

The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution to proceed with the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump, in the first test of support for the process in the Democratic-controlled House.
The development marks a significant step in the on-going investigation but it was not a vote on whether the president should be removed from office. However, the Democrats’ path now seems “likely to lead to Donald Trump’s impeachment”, The Guardian says.
The White House has condemned the resolution, which outlines how the inquiry will move into a more public phase and sets out due process rights for Trump’s lawyers under the congressional inquiry.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The vote was 232-196 and passed largely on party lines: two Democrats voted against the resolution, no Republicans supported it but one Independent voted in favour.
“This resolution sets the stage for the next phase of our investigation, one in which the American people have the opportunity to hear from the witnesses firsthand,” said the House intelligence chairman, Adam Schiff, ahead of the vote.
“We will continue to conduct this inquiry with the seriousness of purpose that our task deserves because it is our duty and because no one is above the law.”
The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, who marked the vote with a bang of her gavel, called the vote a “solemn occasion” but said it was a necessary “step forward” to establish the framework for the open hearings.
Trump is accused of trying to press Ukraine into investigating unsubstantiated corruption claims against his political rival, Joe Biden, and his son who worked with Ukrainian gas company Burisma.
As the result of the vote was announced, Trump tweeted: “The Greatest Witch Hunt In American History!” Then, a White House statement insisted “the president has done nothing wrong” and called the process “a blatantly partisan attempt to destroy the president”.
What happens next?
CNN says Trump’s wider response to the impeachment process will be to go on the offensive. Stephen Collinson writes the president is pressing Republicans to take on a “factually dubious but bold message: Not only did he not abuse power in Ukraine but his conduct is that of a tough guy president beset by corrupt elites and boosting the US abroad”.
As for the Democrats, Sky News says that they must decide what pace to proceed at. “They may want to capitalise on some momentum,” writes Cordelia Lynch. “Go too fast and they risk looking like they're rushing or missing key evidence. Some think they could file articles of impeachment before Christmas.”
The BBC says the vote sets up a “historic clash” featuring “lots of Intelligence Committee sparring between Democrats and Republicans, a look at the transcripts from some of the high-profile witness depositions already conducted and, at some point, a formal report that could serve as the basis of articles of impeachment”.
There could also be televised hearings with weeks, chaired by Schiff of California, who has been spearheading the impeachment inquiry.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Cytomegalovirus can cause permanent birth defects
The Explainer The virus can show no symptoms in adults
-
Summer in Seattle: Outdoor dining like nowhere else
Feature Featuring a patio with a waterfront view, a beer garden, and more
-
Ari Aster revisits the pandemic, Adam Sandler tees off again and Lamb Chop gets an origin story in July movies
the week recommends The month's film releases include 'Eddington,' 'Happy Gilmore 2' and 'Shari & Lamb Chop'
-
SCOTUS greenlights Trump's federal firings
speed read The Trump administration can conduct mass federal firings without Congress' permission, the Supreme Court ruled
-
'The way AI is discussed makes it seem like this is a necessary outcome'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
New tariffs set on 14 trading partners
Speed Read A new slate of tariffs will begin August 1 on imports from Japan, South Korea, Thailand and more
-
Iran: Is regime change possible?
Feature The U.S.-Israeli attack exposed cracks in Iran's regime
-
Elon Musk launching 'America Party'
Speed Read The tech mogul promised to form a new political party if Trump's megabill passed Congress
-
How will Trump's megabill affect you?
Today's Big Question Republicans have passed the 'big, beautiful bill' through Congress
-
How successful would Elon Musk's third party be?
Today's Big Question Musk has vowed to start a third party after falling out with Trump
-
How would the Trump administration denaturalize immigrant citizens?
Today's Big Question Using civil courts lowers the burden of proof