"This was not a protest; it was an insurrection. . .I saw evil . . .these were traitors. . . And they were acting under the orders of Donald Trump." -- @RepMcGovern

"America was attacked and we must respond. Even when the cause of this violence resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue."

Republican who is speaking claims this is a "race to the floor." Now he quotes Jonathan Turley who called it a "dangerous snap impeachment."

No it was a dangerous insurrection which is ongoing with threats of massive armed protests beginning this coming weekend.

It's an emergency, that's why we cannot treat this like every other impeachment, sir.

Word the the wise, quoting Turley and Dershowitz as experts does not mean what you think it means.

Ha. Ha. Ha. Such concern trolling. Republicans want us to believe they will be supportive of Biden's efforts to seat his cabinet and be effective? Pleaaaaase. These are the same folks who said they would block a vote on @neeratanden. Can't do that thanks to winning the Senate now

McGovern asked for unanimous consent to introduce yesterday's statement by
@RepLizCheney in support of impeachment. See here: https://cheney.house.gov/2021/01/12/cheney-i-will-vote-to-impeach-the-president/

Republican theme seems to be delay and not hold Trump accountable. This speaker makes it sound like an investigation and prevention of further danger is a substitute for accountability. So much for the party of law and order and accountability.

Now @LeaderHoyer is speaking. "The actions of the President of the United States demand urgent, clear action".

In addition to Republican Liz Cheney, Hoyer is listing other Rs who are joining the Ds to hold Trump accountable for inciting this insurrection.

Now @RepAlGreen is speaking. This man is a saint. He is the real deal. Met with him nearly two years ago in early 2019. He is a man of conscience and humility.

"The healing that we talk about that has to begin, it has to start with some of these people that were here initially that helped to lay this foundation. 110 people."

This Rep. Jason Smith has a lot of chutzpah. Very whiney and very phony. How dare he call this a "reckless impeachment." How dare he he say an impeachment is putting politics before people. Wimp. Coward. Embarrassment.

"If we want to put the people first, we ought to impeach him" and put him out of office as soon as possible -- @RepMcGovern

So, Jim Jordan is shouting in a very grating voice. This does not invite unity. Fuck this guy. (No intended offense meant to consensual sexual activity).

He's still promoting the Big Lie. Goodbye Gym. Your time has expired.

So, every time Republicans use the word "Democrat" as an adjective they are showing their true colors. They are being abrasive and are not seeking unity.

This would lower the bar of impeachment. Oh, please. Come on, man. As McGovern said his words "launched a violent attack. . .so give me a break."

"The President of the United States is an insurrectionist" –– @JacksonLeeTX18

Why do the Republican men speak in a very high whiny tone?

Trump attempted to violently overthrow the first branch of government, but he bungled the attack says @RepLloydDoggett. "America, we did stop the steal, we stopped Donald Trump" from stealing the election and becoming a tyrant.

Feeling all the feels. God bless America. We will stand up to this dictator wannabee.

Rules Committee hearing about to end. Dems are done speaking. Closing remarks from Rep. Cole (R from Oklahoma). Cole opposes.

McGovern will speak next before this part of the process ends and we move on to the next step in the impeachment.

McGovern is filled with "a deep sadness for our country." Recounts his years working in and reverence for the Capitol. Has been here since his days as a college intern. Acknowledges the cafeteria workers, the staff, everyone who was terrorized by the attack last Wednesday

"Unity after they voted to overturn a free and fair election . . .after many of them gave oxygen to Donald Trump's conspiracy theory, to the big lie . . .to bigotry. . .they just let it go. . . Words have consequences and ignoring words that are wrong also has consequences."

McGovern says the Capitol siege would not have happened if people stood up to the Big Lie. Also praised those Rs who have courage to stand up under pressure.

"Last week we took an oath to protect this nation. . I pray we all have the moral clarity to uphold it here today."

Voice vote first, but now there will be a recorded vote member by member.

Vote on the rule for proceeding toward impeachment vote will take an hour. I'll break for now until that's done.