Date: 2024-12-22 Page is: DBtxt003.php txt00018144
The Trump Presidecny
The Impeachment Saga
McConnell: Impeachment trial rules have enough support to pass
Peter Burgess
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Date: 2024-12-22 Page is: DBtxt003.php txt00018144 | |||||||||
The Trump Presidecny | |||||||||
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Burgess COMMENTARY Peter Burgess | |||||||||
| McConnell: Impeachment trial rules have enough support to pass 2,455 Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Tuesday that his proposed rules resolution for President Trump's impeachment trial has the votes needed to pass. McConnell's statement, made on the Senate floor, comes shortly before the Senate begins what is expected to be an hours-long debate over the rules governing the impeachment proceedings. McConnell called the rules fight an 'entrance exam' that will determine if the Senate can 'put fairness, evenhandedness and historical precedent ahead of partisan passions.' 'The organizing resolution already has the support of the majority of the Senate. That's because it sets up a structure that is fair, evenhanded and tracks closely with past precedents that were established unanimously,' McConnell said. Democrats have taken issue with two provisions, in particular, in the rules resolution: While it gives both House managers and Trump's legal team 24 hours each to present their case, it breaks with the 1999 trial of President Clinton by requiring them to use that time within two days. It also does not admit House evidence into the trial record until after the Senate votes on whether to call witnesses or admit documents. Leadership is expected to call that vote before opening arguments and questions from senators. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) fired back at McConnell from the floor, arguing that while the GOP leader has touted the Clinton rules his proposal includes changes that make the trial 'less transparent, less clear and with less evidence. 'The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump and for President Trump. It asks the Senate to rush through as fast as possible and makes getting evidence as hard as possible. ...[It] will result in rushed trial with little evidence in the dark of night,' Schumer said. Schumer added that he was 'amazed [McConnell] could say it with a straight face that the rules are the same as the Clinton rules. The rules are not even close to the Clinton rules.' Democrats are pledging to force a slew of votes on calling witnesses, compelling documents and making changes to the rules. McConnell warned that the Senate will remain in session, even if it takes hours, until the rules are adopted. After opening arguments, which should conclude on Saturday, senators will have 16 hours to ask questions in writing though Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial. McConnell also took a shot at House Democrats Tuesday, saying his rules 'will draw a sharp contrast with the unfair and precedent-breaking inquiry' in the House. 'The House broke with fairness by cutting President Trump's counsel out of their inquiry to an unprecedented degree,' McConnell said. The White House previously declined to take part in the House process. Just In... Schiff urges 'fair trial' in launching impeachment case in Senate SENATE — 5M 45S AGO House Dems express 'deepening concern' over plans to take $7.2B from Pentagon for border wall DEFENSE — 11M 10S AGO Virginia AG's immigration hypocrisy OPINION — 11M 16S AGO Police search home, former gym of ex-US gymnastics coach STATE WATCH — 37M 3S AGO Citizens United put out a welcome mat for Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman OPINION — 41M 16S AGO GOP rep introduces bill to block intelligence sharing with countries using Huawei for 5G HOUSE — 43M 40S AGO Trump tweets 'read the transcripts' from Davos as impeachment trial begins ADMINISTRATION — 43M 45S AGO Sanders co-chair: Greenwald charges could cause 'chilling effect on journalism across the world' TECHNOLOGY — 46M 55S AGO VIEW ALL Related News Martha McSally fundraises off 'liberal hack' remark to CNN reporter Martha McSally fundraises off 'liberal… Poll shows Collins displaces McConnell as most unpopular senator Poll shows Collins displaces McConnell… If You Can Qualify for Any Credit Card, These Are the Top 6 If You Can Qualify for Any Credit Card, These… Sponsored | NerdWallet Murkowski wants senators to 'really hear the case' before deciding on impeachment witnesses Murkowski wants senators to 'really hear… by | |||||||||