WATCH: Pelosi says impeachment inquiry resolution not a ’cause for any glee’

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said a vote to approve ground rules for their impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump is a solemn but necessary duty for lawmakers.

In a floor speech before Thursday’s vote, Pelosi said, “This is not any cause for any glee or comfort.”

Standing next to a large U.S. flag in the well of the House, Pelosi said the impeachment inquiry was necessary to defend the Constitution and prevent an abuse of power by Trump.

“The times have found each and every one of us in this room,” Pelosi said. She urged lawmakers to vote in favor of the impeachment rules “to protect the Constitution of the United States. What is at stake in all of this is nothing less than our democracy.”

The investigation is focused on Trump’s efforts to push Ukraine to investigate his Democratic political opponents by withholding military aid and an Oval Office meeting craved by the country’s new president.

The resolution passed 232-196, largely along party lines.

The Associated Press wrote this report. The PBS NewsHour produced the video.