House of Representatives Set to Impeach Trump as Historic Day Looms

The House of Representatives is all but certain to vote to impeach President Donald Trump today. Wednesday will be a major day in U.S. history as Trump becomes just the third president to be formally impeached by the House and to face a trial in the Senate.

Democrats have the necessary numbers to pass both articles of impeachment, according to widespread reports. Some Democrats are likely to peel off and vote against one or other of the articles, but not enough to make a difference to the final result.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is famous for her ability to whip her members. She has committed to impeachment and will be managing the voting process today.

Despite much conservative speculation, Democrats in swing districts don’t appear to be fleeing from the prospect of impeachment. Several members in districts Trump won have publicly committed to voting in favor of it, with more expected to show their hand today.

Former Republican Congressman Justin Amash is also widely expected to vote with the Democrats and could even become an impeachment manager during the Senate trial, though the exact details remain to be seen. Amash’s vote may win the ire of the President.

Once the articles of impeachment are approved, the matter will go to the Senate in January. There is no realistic prospect that Senate Republicans will vote to remove Trump, but the rules governing the trial could cause a headache for the President.