US President Donald Trump dismisses the impeachment inquiry against him as "flimsy, pathetic, ridiculous.” (Fortune.com photo)

The US House Judiciary Committee began a public discussion about amendments to the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

The first hearing began Wednesday at 7 p.m. (8 a.m., Thursday, Philippine time) as committee members deliver opening statements.

On Tuesday, the House announced two articles of impeachment over what House Judiciary chair Jerry Nadler described as “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

As committee members take the floor, one by one, to deliver their opening statements, Democrats are framing the impeachment articles as part of their solemn responsibility, while Republicans are hearing down the inquiry as a political ploy.

In his opening statement, Nadler said that the debate should be framed around three questions:

1) Does the evidence show clearly that Trump committed these acts?

2) Do they rise to the level of impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors?

3) What are the consequences if we fail to act?

He also began addressing some of those questions, highlighting that although other presidents have tried to evade investigations, “President Trump’s stonewall was complete, absolute and without precedent,” justifying the obstruction of Congress article.

Nadler also highlighted evidence that Trump abused power. “President Trump asked for a favor,” he said, and undermined national security. (NBC, Guardian)