McConnell Says He Has Votes for Impeachment Trial

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that he’ll move ahead on approving rules for President Trump’s Senate trial without negotiating them with Democrats, the New York Times reports.

“Mr. McConnell shared his intentions with senators over lunch in the Capitol, declaring that he has the votes he needs — including among moderate Republicans — to proceed with the trial while putting off a final decision on witnesses or new evidence. That would mean the Senate would tackle those questions after representatives of the House and the president make opening arguments and senators question both sides.”

“Notably, the plan offers no guarantee that senators will hear new testimony beyond what the House’s inquiry gathered last fall.”

Washington Post: “The announcement came as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced increasing pressure to send articles of impeachment to the Senate, including from some in her own party, to allow a trial to begin.”