Trump blasts impeachment proceedings in letter to Pelosi; House panel sets rules for impeachment debate ahead of vote; McConnell, Schumer spar over witnesses at impeachment trial; Giuliani: Trump "very supportive" of my work in Ukraine

Published: Dec. 17, 2019, 10:25 p.m.

Trump letter to Pelosi: abuse of power charge "completely disingenuous, meritless, and baseless", obstruction of congress charge is "preposterous and dangerous", more due process given "to those accused in the Salem witch trials", "you are offending Americans of faith" by claiming you pray for me; Trump: I take "zero" responsibility for impeachment; House panel holds final impeachment hearing before vote; McConnell on impeachment: "I'm not an impartial juror"; Schumer: preventing witnesses at trial is covering up for Trump; Poll of polls: 46% say Trump should be impeached & removed; House Dems poised to impeach president Trump tomorrow; Trump's ex-deputy campaign manager Rick Gates sentenced to 45 days; Giuliani says he needed former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine "out of the way";