The U.S. House Legal Affairs Committee began hearings with lawyers from both parties on Monday to decide whether to charge President Donald Trump, and if so, which ones.
Democrats intend to accuse Trump of abuse of power and possibly obstruction of justice. The list of allegations may be ready this week, and the committee is ready to vote on them without further delay.
Republicans are expected to criticize the impeachment process and the arguments of the lawyers put forward by the Democrats.
The White House has refused to participate in the hearings. At the same time, representatives of the White House said they count on a fair trial in the Republican-controlled Senate after the Democrats impeach Trump in the House of Representatives.
The Democrats began impeachment proceedings against Trump, suspecting him of detaining military assistance to Ukraine and demanding in exchange for assistance an investigation against his political opponent Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Trump said he only demanded that the Ukrainian authorities fight corruption.