The House Judiciary Committee has set Wednesday, December 4, for its first hearing on the impeachment of Donald Trump. This follows word that the House Intelligence Committee is currently drafting a report on the evidence uncovered of an extortion attempt by Trump and multiple top Trump aides that tied congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine to demands that the Ukrainian government assist Trump in at least two election-premised "investigations" of his perceived opponents.
Don't expect fireworks—unless, perhaps, Trump takes up the committee's invitation to participate in the hearing himself, which has little chance of happening. The first Judiciary hearing will consist of outlining the process used in impeachment, as explained by impeachment experts.
Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler also sent a letter to Trump informing him of his "privileges" as impeachment moves forward. "The Committee intends this hearing to serve as an opportunity to discuss the historical and constitutional basis of impeachment, as well as the Framers' intent and understanding of terms like 'high crimes and misdemeanors.'"
"I remind you that participation by the President or his counsel has been described by the Committee in past inquiries as 'not a right but a privilege or courtesy which is being extended to the President's counsel," it continues.
So you know somebody's going to be in a foul mood this evening.