US House begins debate on charges against Trump

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House before departing to Fayetteville, North Carolina in Washington, US. [Reuters]

The U.S. House of Representatives began debating the charges facing President Donald Trump ahead of a historic impeachment vote later on Wednesday.

The Republican president faces two articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - in the Democratic-controlled chamber, which is expected to back the charges in a party-line vote.