The chamber could take up articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump as early as next month.
WASHINGTON ― Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell confirmed Wednesday that the U.S. Senate will hold a trial if the House sends it articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
The Kentucky Republican gave his members a tutorial on the hypothetical process based on previous trials in the Senate at a weekly caucus lunch. The chamber could take up articles of impeachment against Trump as early as next month, depending on how fast the House advances its inquiry into the president.
“Senators will not be allowed to speak, which will be good therapy for a number of them,” McConnell quipped to reporters after the meeting.
As in the trial of President Bill Clinton, the Supreme Court’s chief justice would preside as judge. The senators, meanwhile, would act as the jurors. The proceedings would carry on six days a week (all except Sunday) until a final vote on conviction. However, McConnell has previously suggested it is within his power to determine the trial’s scope and length.
Senators had many questions about the process on Wednesday, including how long it would last. Clinton’s impeachment trial lasted five weeks ― meaning Trump’s trial could take up the entire legislative work period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
More: Mitch McConnell Prepares For Impeachment Trial In The Senate
Sounds like McConnell views an impeachment trial as inevitable. Thanksgiving and Christmas could be very interesting politically.
WASHINGTON ― Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell confirmed Wednesday that the U.S. Senate will hold a trial if the House sends it articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
The Kentucky Republican gave his members a tutorial on the hypothetical process based on previous trials in the Senate at a weekly caucus lunch. The chamber could take up articles of impeachment against Trump as early as next month, depending on how fast the House advances its inquiry into the president.
“Senators will not be allowed to speak, which will be good therapy for a number of them,” McConnell quipped to reporters after the meeting.
As in the trial of President Bill Clinton, the Supreme Court’s chief justice would preside as judge. The senators, meanwhile, would act as the jurors. The proceedings would carry on six days a week (all except Sunday) until a final vote on conviction. However, McConnell has previously suggested it is within his power to determine the trial’s scope and length.
Senators had many questions about the process on Wednesday, including how long it would last. Clinton’s impeachment trial lasted five weeks ― meaning Trump’s trial could take up the entire legislative work period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
More: Mitch McConnell Prepares For Impeachment Trial In The Senate
Sounds like McConnell views an impeachment trial as inevitable. Thanksgiving and Christmas could be very interesting politically.
