Politics

What’s next in impeachment: Judiciary Committee up next?

Published

7 years ago

November 25, 2019

WASHINGTON (AP) — After two weeks of public hearings, Democrats could soon turn the impeachment process over to the House Judiciary Committee. They’re moving “expeditiously” ahead as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has instructed.

Full Coverage: Trump impeachment inquiry

In the coming weeks, the House intelligence panel will submit a report to the Judiciary panel, and then Democrats will consider drafting articles of impeachment on President Donald Trump’s dealings with Ukraine and the administration’s attempts to block the investigation. The articles could cover matters beyond Trump’s efforts to push Ukraine to investigate Democrats, including special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, but no decisions have been made.

There could be several steps along the way, including a Judiciary committee vote, a House floor vote and, finally, a Senate trial.

What’s next in impeachment:

INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE WRAPS UP

Democrats on the House intelligence committee believe they have enough evidence to write a report and move forward. But it’s still unclear whether they will hear any last-minute testimony.

Democratic House intelligence committee Chairman Adam Schiff said Sunday he won’t foreclose the possibility of his committee undertaking more depositions and hearings in the impeachment inquiry of Trump. Schiff said on CNN’s “State of the Union” that his committee continues to conduct investigative work, but he won’t let the Trump administration stall the inquiry.

Schiff’s staff and others are compiling the panel’s findings to submit to the House Judiciary Committee, which is expected to open its own hearings to consider articles of impeachment and a formal recommendation of charges. He said his committee may need to file addendums to its report so that the Judiciary Committee can move ahead.

“The investigation isn’t going to end,” Schiff said.

Several potentially key witnesses — former national security adviser John Bolton, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, among others — have declined to provide testimony or documents on Trump’s orders.

Democrats have said they don’t want to get tied up in lengthy court battles to force those witnesses to cooperate with subpoenas. But they could still hear testimony if one of them changed their mind, or if other key witnesses emerged.

“We’ve heard and seen compelling evidence that the president committed serious wrongdoing,” says Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro, a member of the intelligence panel. “There are other witnesses, including some principal witnesses that we would have liked to have heard from, but the evidence has been pretty damning that the president committed an impeachable act.”

Time is running short if the House is to vote on impeachment by Christmas, which Democrats privately say is the goal. The intelligence panel is expected to spend the Thanksgiving week writing, and maybe even completing, a report of evidence gathered through more than six weeks of closed-door depositions and public hearings.

Once the report is done, the panel could vote to pass it on to the House Judiciary Committee. That could happen as soon as the first week of December, when lawmakers return from the Thanksgiving break.

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JUDICIARY TAKES CHARGE

Pelosi has instructed the intelligence panel, along with other committees that have investigated Trump, to submit evidence to the House Judiciary Committee. That panel is then expected to hold hearings and vote on articles of impeachment — a process that could take up the first two weeks of December.

The articles of impeachment are expected to mostly focus on Ukraine, though discussions continue. Democrats are considering an overall “abuse of power” article against Trump, which could be broken into categories like bribery or extortion. The article would center on the Democrats’ assertion, based on witness testimony, that Trump used his office to pressure Ukraine into politically motivated investigations.

Additional articles of impeachment could include obstruction of Congress and obstruction of justice. The latter could incorporate evidence from Mueller’s report.

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HOUSE FLOOR VOTE

The Judiciary panel could take several days to debate the articles and then vote on them — sending impeachment to the House floor, where they could immediately be called up for consideration. Debate on impeachment would be handled similarly to any other bill or resolution.

If articles of impeachment reach the House floor, Democrats will be looking to peel off Republicans to make the vote bipartisan. So far, however, it appears few, if any, Republicans will break ranks. Not a single Republican backed the resolution launching the impeachment hearings.

Once an impeachment vote is done, Democrats would appoint impeachment managers for a Senate trial.

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SENATE TRIAL

House Democrats are hoping to be finished with an impeachment vote by Christmas, sending articles to the Republican-controlled Senate for a trial in 2020. Unless political dynamics change, Trump is expected to have the backing of majority Republicans in that chamber to be acquitted.

It’s still unclear how long a trial would last, what it would look like or what witnesses might be called. Top White House officials met Thursday with Republican senators to discuss strategy but made no decisions about the length of a trial or other tactics, two people familiar with the session said.

Participants in the meeting expressed more interest in voting as soon as they have the 51 votes needed to acquit Trump than in setting a specific timetable for the proceedings, according to one Senate GOP aide.

That aide and a senior White House official said a trial lasting two weeks was discussed, but not agreed to. The aides spoke on condition of anonymity to describe a private meeting.

Central Florida News

City of Orlando Earns Top-Tier ISO Building Code Effectiveness Rating, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety and Resilience

Published

3 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The City of Orlando has earned a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS) rating of 2 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), marking an improvement from its previous rating of 3 received during the city’s 2023 evaluation.

The improved rating recognizes the city’s continued commitment to enforcing strong building codes that enhance public safety, strengthen disaster resilience and support long-term economic growth.

Orlando Surpasses State Averages

The ISO’s BCEGS program evaluates how effectively local governments adopt and enforce modern building codes for residential and commercial construction. Ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest level of building code effectiveness.

Orlando earned a rating of 2 in both the residential and commercial categories, outperforming Florida’s statewide averages.

According to the city:

Orlando Residential Rating: 2
Florida Residential Average: 4
Orlando Commercial Rating: 2
Florida Commercial Average: 3

The city’s performance also exceeds national ISO averages, reflecting Orlando’s continued investment in building safety and code enforcement.

Mayor Buddy Dyer Praises Permitting Team

Mayor Buddy Dyer credited the city’s Permitting Services Division for the achievement.

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our community through strong building safety standards,” Dyer said. “Our Permitting Services team works every day to ensure that homes, businesses and other structures throughout Orlando are built safely and in accordance with the highest standards.”

Benefits for Residents and Businesses

City officials said a stronger ISO BCEGS rating offers several potential benefits for homeowners, businesses and developers, including:

Potential reductions in property insurance premiums for qualifying residential and commercial properties.
Improved disaster preparedness and faster recovery following hurricanes and other natural hazards.
Greater community resilience through safer, more durable construction.
Enhanced economic competitiveness by attracting new commercial investment and development.

While insurance savings vary by insurer and policy, many companies consider ISO ratings when assessing property risk.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Communities participating in the BCEGS program are evaluated across 27 categories, including:

Building code adoption
Code enforcement practices
Inspection procedures
Staff qualifications and training
Administrative processes
Fire prevention coordination
Permitting operations

The City of Orlando said the improved rating reflects the collaborative efforts of building inspectors, plans examiners, permitting technicians, fire marshals, code officials and administrative staff who work together to ensure new construction complies with current safety standards.

Investing in Long-Term Resilience

City officials noted that strong building codes not only improve life safety but also reduce property damage during hurricanes and other disasters.

More resilient buildings help stabilize neighborhoods, preserve property values and protect the local tax base that funds essential public services, including:

Police and fire protection
Transportation infrastructure
Parks and recreation
Public works
Community services

The improved ISO rating underscores Orlando’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high construction standards while supporting sustainable growth throughout the city.

Central Florida News

Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Teen Arrested on Evidence Tampering Charge in Deadly Old Cheney Highway Shooting

Published

3 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that a teenager has been arrested on an evidence tampering charge as detectives continue investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in east Orange County.

Authorities identified the suspect as Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19, who was arrested and charged with Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence. Investigators emphasized that the homicide investigation remains active and that no additional charges or details have been released.

Victim Identified

The Sheriff’s Office previously identified the victim as Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17.

Bradford died after being shot on Wednesday, July 29, in the 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway.

Investigation Timeline

According to investigators, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 4:55 p.m. on July 29.

When deputies arrived, they found Bradford suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

The Sheriff’s Office said all individuals involved remained at the scene when deputies arrived and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Arrest Announced

On Friday, investigators announced Mitchell’s arrest on a charge of Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

Authorities have not released details explaining what evidence was allegedly tampered with or whether additional arrests or charges are anticipated.

Investigation Continues

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bradford’s death.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not released information regarding a possible motive, the events leading up to the shooting, or whether the incident may have been accidental or intentional.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.

What We Know

Victim: Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17
Incident Date: July 29, 2026
Time: Approximately 4:55 p.m.
Location: 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway, Orange County
Arrest: Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19
Charge: Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence
Investigation Status: Active and ongoing
Community Threat: None identified by investigators

Florida

Alex Vindman Calls on Ashley Moody to Support Release of Hope Florida Grand Jury Report

Published

3 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman renewed criticism of U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody this week, calling on her to publicly support the release of the confidential Hope Florida grand jury report as questions surrounding the state’s controversial Medicaid settlement continue to draw statewide attention.

Vindman made the remarks during a Thursday news conference at the Florida Capitol alongside supporters, including a registered Republican, arguing that Florida voters deserve greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida investigation.

Vindman Launches New Campaign Website

The Vindman campaign also unveiled a new campaign website, MoodyCorruption.com, highlighting Moody’s role in the Hope Florida controversy and encouraging voters to contact public officials in support of releasing the grand jury report.

The campaign said the website was launched following recent reporting by the Miami Herald examining additional connections between Moody’s Senate campaign and the Hope Florida controversy.

Focus on Attorney General’s Role

Vindman criticized Moody’s actions while she served as Florida attorney general, pointing to the Attorney General’s Office’s approval of a $10 million Medicaid settlement transfer that later became the focus of legislative and criminal scrutiny.

According to public reporting, the settlement funds originated from a Medicaid agreement involving Centene Corp. before money was later directed through the Hope Florida Foundation and subsequently distributed to nonprofit organizations that later contributed to political committees. Investigations into the transactions have generated legislative hearings, public records litigation and criminal inquiries.

Vindman argued that the public deserves to know what conclusions, if any, a statewide grand jury reached during its investigation.

“If she has nothing to hide, she should go ahead and call for this release,” Vindman told reporters.

Grand Jury Report Remains Sealed

A central issue in the controversy is whether the final statewide grand jury report should remain confidential.

Court records indicate objections have been filed seeking to prevent or delay public release of the report. The identities of those objecting have not been publicly confirmed through court filings.

A judge is expected to determine whether the report, or portions of it, should become public.

Media Coverage Highlights

Vindman’s news conference received statewide media coverage.

WFSU reported that Vindman focused on CBS News reporting concerning Moody’s role in approving the original settlement agreement while serving as attorney general.

WUSF reported Vindman argued voters should consider the controversy as they evaluate candidates in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.

CBS Miami highlighted Vindman’s challenge for Moody to publicly support releasing the grand jury findings.

WFLA News Channel 8 reported Moody had been scheduled for an interview but that her campaign later requested to reschedule.

ABC 20 reported ongoing litigation surrounding the confidential grand jury report while covering Vindman’s criticism of Moody.

Spectrum News noted Democrats continue pressing for disclosure of the report, citing public records showing the Attorney General’s Office approved the initial transfer that later became the subject of controversy.

Moody Has Not Publicly Called for Release

As of Friday, Moody had not publicly announced support for releasing the confidential grand jury report.

The report remains under court review, and no final judicial decision has been issued regarding whether it will be released.

Why the Report Matters

Supporters of disclosure argue the public has a right to understand how taxpayer-related Medicaid settlement funds were handled and whether investigators identified misconduct or recommended reforms.

Those opposing disclosure contend grand jury secrecy protects ongoing legal interests and confidential proceedings until a court determines what may legally be released.

The court’s decision could significantly shape public understanding of one of Florida’s highest-profile political controversies as the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign continues.