House approves road map for Trump impeachment

The House voted 232-196 Thursday to approve Democrats' terms for an impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

The vote on the resolution was largely along party lines, though Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.) did side with Democrats, and two Democrats did disapprove the plan. The vote came after reports spelled out the increased rights Trump would be afforded under the resolution, and as Republicans criticize House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for not taking the vote sooner.

The resolution provides an impeachment "road map" that lets House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) call for hearings with witnesses and lets Republicans request subpoenas, among other things. It also includes increased rights for Trump, which can be rescinded if he continues to block Democratic subpoenas. It advanced beyond the House Rules Committee on Wednesday with a 9-4 party line vote.

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Republicans had criticized Pelosi for approving the inquiry without a formal House vote, but again questioned the proposed resolution ahead of the Thursday vote, proposing amendments to it or suggesting the vote be called off entirely.