Republican Matt Gaetz speaks as the House of Representatives debates the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.Credit:AP
Pelosi wore all black,as if attending a funeral,to reflect what she said was a solemn occasion.
Speaking on the House floor,Republican congressman Barry Loudermilk said that Pontius Pilate,who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus Christ,had showed more fairness than Democrats had to Trump.
Republican Mike Kelly likened impeachment to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour.
“On December 7,1941,a horrific act happened in the United States,and it's one that President Roosevelt said,'This is a date that will live in infamy',"he said.
"Today,December 18th,2019,is another date that will live in infamy,"thundered Republican Mike Kelly."
Trump started the morning by tweeting:"Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the Radical Left,Do Nothing Democrats,AND I DID NOTHING WRONG! A terrible Thing. Read the Transcripts. This should never happen to another President again. Say a PRAYER!"
Number of votes needed for impeachment
The tweet echoed the tone ofan incandescent six-page letter he wrote to Pelosi the previous day opposing the impeachment vote.
US President Donald Trump leaves the White House for a campaign trip to Battle Creek,Michigan as impeachment debate continues.Credit:AP
Speaking at an event in Michigan,Vice President Mike Pence said:"They’re trying to run down this president because they know they can’t run against our record.
"They’re pushing this partisan impeachment because they know they can’t stop you from giving President Donald Trump four more years in the White House."
Before calling for a minute's silence to recognise Americans who voted for Trump,Republican congressman Bill Johnson said:"This partisan impeachment sham seeks to disenfranchise 63 million voters."
Will Hurd,a centrist Republican,said the President was guilty of"bungling foreign policy decisions"but had not committed an impeachable offence.
"Today,we have seen a rushed process divide our country,"Hurd said.
"Today,a dangerous precedent will be set - impeachment becoming a weaponised political tool."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opened the House of Representatives debate about the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.Credit:AP