As expected, the impeachment vote in the Democratic-dominated Congress was along partisan lines with not one Republican congressman breaking ranks. The abuse of power charge was approved in a 230 to 197 vote, with all GOP members opposing the ouster along with two Democrats: Minnesota’s Collin Peterson and New Jersey’s Jeff Van Drew. The obstruction charge passed 229 to 198, with Peterson, Van Drew and Maine Democrat Jared Golden joining Republicans in opposition. Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is running for president, voted “present” on both measures, which has been openly criticized on Twitter under the hastag #TulsiCoward.

 

Little Known Black History Fact: Lori McNeil

 

The next step is that Trump will go on trial in the U.S. senate that could lead to his removal from office. Such action is considered an unlikely prospect given that the proceedings will take place in the Republican-controlled upper chamber. Two-thirds of the Senate must vote to convict Trump in order to expel him from office. In fact, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is reportedly expected to block any additional witnessed for the trial and push for Trump’s exoneration.

In the post-impeachment press conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “December 18th, a great day for the Constitution of the United States; a sad one for America that the president’s reckless activities necessitated us having to introduce articles of impeachment.”

Source: Nation Reacts As Trump Becomes Third President In U.S. History To Be Impeached