Email By Washington bureau chief David Lipson Posted December 27, 2019 06:00:35 Photo: Republicans are now suggesting Trump needs to be given the opportunity to defend himself on impeachment. (AP/Evan Vucci) Related Story: Trump blasts Christian magazine calling for his removal on ‘blackened moral record’ Related Story: Your cheat sheet to understanding Trump’s articles of impeachment Related Story: Impeachment was my first story as the ABC’s Washington Bureau chief. Here are the big questions I’m asking now Map: United States This time last year, Washington DC was crippled by the longest US Government shutdown in history, prompted by President Donald Trump’s demand for $5.7 billion to build his US-Mexico border wall and the Congressional refusal to hand it over.The five-week impasse saw museums and national parks locked up over the holiday season, public servants forced to take out loans to feed their families and even several FBI investigations compromised.This festive season, another politically-motivated stalemate has gripped the capital: the President’s impeachment trial, or more precisely, the possible lack thereof.Washington’s moves and countermoves Photo: This time last year, the focus was on the Government shutdown. (Reuters: Jason Reed) After the House (the US equivalent of Australia’s House of Representatives) voted to…