Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to give their counsel the power to publicly question witnesses, handing over more responsibilities to committee lawyers as they decide whether to formally start an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

The Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday to pass procedures for hearings it holds on the potential impeachment proceedings. Under the rules, lawmakers from both minority and majority staff will be allowed to tap their attorneys for an additional 30 minutes of questioning for each side of witnesses appearing before the panel.