The 232-196 vote almost entirely along party lines marked only the fourth time the full House authorized an impeachment inquiry. Two presidents – Andrew Johnson in 1868 after the Civil War and Bill Clinton in 1998 – were impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate. Former President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before he was impeached.
“What is at stake in all of this is nothing less than our democracy," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said while flanked by a placard of the U.S. flag. “Let us honor our oath of office. Let us defend our democracy."
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said this Congress has produced more subpoenas than signed laws.
