Nancy Pelosi has put off holding a vote in the House of Representatives whether to back the impeachment probe into Donald Trump.
The House Speaker said “at this time” there would be no vote because there is no requirement to hold one.
President Trump, who calls the impeachment inquiry "illegitimate" had said the House needs to go on the record by holding a vote.
But at a news conference on Tuesday night, Ms Pelosi said: "There is no requirement that we have a vote and so at this time we will not be having a vote.”
The Constitution gives the House impeachment powers but provides little guidance on the process.
Mr Trump is being investigated over his effort to have Ukraine investigate political rival Joe Biden.
Former vice president Mr Biden is a leading contender to become the Democratic nominee to run against Mr Trump in the next election.
