House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 26, 2019. VOA
House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler muddled that message over the summer recess by telling CNN in an Aug. 8 interview that Democrats' efforts to obtain evidence through numerous court filings already constituted "formal impeachment proceedings."
But Democrats agree that a floor vote on impeachment cannot happen until rulings are handed down in numerous court cases in which Democrats are seeking key documents in the investigations into Trump's finances and foreign dealings.
In the meantime, the House Judiciary Committee announced plans to investigate allegations Trump violated campaign finance laws by paying "hush money" to cover up affairs with adult film star Stormy Daniels and Playboy playmate Karen McDougal.
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Additional issues
Lawmakers could also consider ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) — a top priority of Trump's.
In an August "Dear Colleagues" letter, Pelosi said the House working group was in discussion with the Trump administration about the need to include environmental protections, lower prescription drug costs and strong labor standards among other concerns before the agreement could come up for a vote.
The Senate will also vote on a two-part resolution that will allow lawmakers to demand greater oversight over Trump administration arms sales to Saudi Arabia. (VOA)