US President Donald Trump, who rejects the impeachment process as a "witch hunt," sought to show he was hard at work during the vote
US President Donald Trump, who rejects the impeachment process as a "witch hunt," sought to show he was hard at work during the vote AFP / Brendan Smialowski

Update: 10:10 a.m. EST

The House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Friday to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump. The issue now moves to the full House.

The vote was 23-17 on each article.

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Original story

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler put off a vote on two articles of impeachment against President Trump until Friday following 14 hours of debate during which Republicans denied any wrongdoing on the president's part.

The committee was expected to vote along party lines to impeach. The issue will then go before the full House next week where again lawmakers are expected to vote along party lines before sending the issue to the Senate for trial.

Angry exchanges marked Thursday's debate as Democrats time and again voted down Republican amendments designed to end the process.

“I want the members on both sides of the aisle to think about what has happened over these last two days and to search their consciences before we cast our final votes,” Nadler said as he ended the debate at 11:15 p.m. EST and putting off a vote.

Republicans were angered by the move.

"This is a kangaroo court," Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., the ranking Republican, fumed after his members had agreed to cut off the amendment debate in exchange for a vote. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, called the proceedings "Stalinesque."

Democrats said the vote was put off until Friday so the action could be taken in the light of day. Trump is just the fourth U.S. president to face impeachment.

The committee was scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. EST.

Watch the vote below:

Trump is accused of using the power of his office to pressure Ukraine to do his bidding in exchange for $391 million in military aid and then blocking Congress from investigating his actions.

The president spent the day tweeting his displeasure with the process, exulting over the stock market and taking shots at climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Early Friday, Trump tweeted the Republican party is more united than ever and accused Democrats of being the party of "lies and deception." He also praised Republicans' performance Thursday.

Trump accused Democrats of pursuing impeachment because they are afraid he will win re-election.