The House of Representatives voted Thursday morning in a 232-196 vote to proceed with the impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump. In her remarks on the House floor, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was sober and reflective. "I doubt anybody in this place, or anybody that you know, comes to Congress to take the oath of office to impeach the President of the United States unless his actions are jeopardizing honoring our oath of office."
The chairmen leading the inquiry were equally reflective. Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said, "The task before us is a solemn one." Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler was resolute, saying, "I support the resolution because we have no choice." In concluding the debate, House Rules Chair Jim McGovern said, "History is testing us and I worry, based on what we have heard from the other side, that some may be failing that test."
Republicans were predictably callow. House Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy tried to be clever: "It's only fitting you take this vote on Halloween." He failed.