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| Impeachment live updates: McConnell accuses Pelosi of ‘shameless game-playing’ as she insists on seeing rules for a Senate trial | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of “shameless game-playing” as she reiterated that she does not plan to send articles of impeachment to the Senate until seeing proposed rules for a trial of President Trump. | |
| The continuing standoff between Pelosi (D-Calif.) and McConnell (R-Ky.) focused on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine came as the president prepared to address the nation on hostilities with Iran, a crisis overshadowing the impeachment drama. | |
| The crux of the Democrats’ case is the allegation that Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression, to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. | The crux of the Democrats’ case is the allegation that Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression, to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. |
| ●McConnell says he’s ready to begin Trump impeachment trial with no deal on witnesses. | ●McConnell says he’s ready to begin Trump impeachment trial with no deal on witnesses. |
| ●How a Senate trial could work if McConnell gets his way. | ●How a Senate trial could work if McConnell gets his way. |
| ●Political parties pivot on process as Trump’s impeachment shifts to Senate. | ●Political parties pivot on process as Trump’s impeachment shifts to Senate. |
| Which senators support removing Trump | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | House resolution impeaching Trump | Other key documents | Which senators support removing Trump | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | House resolution impeaching Trump | Other key documents |
| House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) said he backs Pelosi’s decision not to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate without further information on the shape of a trial. | |
| “I support the decision of the speaker to hold the articles until we get some clarity” as to whether there will be a fair trial, Jeffries said. He added that there was no discussion of the matter during House Democrats’ Wednesday morning caucus meeting, which lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. | |
| Rep. Katherine M. Clark (Mass.), the vice chair of the Democratic caucus, blasted McConnell for saying he is ready to begin the impeachment trial without an agreement on witnesses. | |
| “Continuing to block, to coordinate this trial with the White House makes the Senate leader complicit in this obstruction of the facts that we need to put forth in the impeachment trial and put forward in front of the American people,” she said. | |
| Pelosi reiterated Wednesday that she does not plan to name House impeachment managers and allow a trial to go forward until McConnell shares a resolution laying out proposed rules for a Senate trial. | |
| “We are waiting to see what the terms are,” Pelosi told reporters as she left a Democratic caucus meeting. “As I said from the beginning, how we choose our managers depends on what the arena . . . we are going into.” | |
| McConnell “said yesterday that he’d be glad to share his resolution when it’s ready,” Pelosi added. “We will welcome it when it comes, and then we’ll see what the terms are. And then we’ll be able to name our managers.” | |
| Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned his Republican colleagues Wednesday that both history and the American people “in the here and now” will judge them harshly if they do not support the inclusion of witnesses and documents at a Senate trial of Trump. | |
| “If the Senate fails to hold a fair hearing of those charges, if one party, the president’s party, decides to rush through a trial without hearing all the facts, witnesses and documents, it won’t just be the verdict of history that falls heavy on their shoulders,” Schumer said. “The American people in the here and now will pass a harsh judgment on senators who participated in a coverup for the president.” | |
| Schumer also made clear that Democrats plan to force multiple votes on calling witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. | |
| “I want to make one thing very clear: There will be votes, repeated votes, on the questions of witnesses and documents at the trial,” Schumer said. | |
| McConnell on Wednesday accused Pelosi of “shameless game-playing” as he delivered another floor speech heavily critical of her delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate. | McConnell on Wednesday accused Pelosi of “shameless game-playing” as he delivered another floor speech heavily critical of her delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate. |
| McConnell’s remarks came a day after Pelosi signaled she would not send over the two articles centered on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine until McConnell unveils a resolution laying out the proposed rules of a trial. | McConnell’s remarks came a day after Pelosi signaled she would not send over the two articles centered on Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine until McConnell unveils a resolution laying out the proposed rules of a trial. |
| “There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure,” McConnell said. “The House Democrats’ turn is over.” | “There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure,” McConnell said. “The House Democrats’ turn is over.” |
| During his remarks, he cited public comments from three members of the Democratic caucus — Sen. Joe Manchin III (W.Va.), Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.) and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) — who have said they would like to see a trial begin. | During his remarks, he cited public comments from three members of the Democratic caucus — Sen. Joe Manchin III (W.Va.), Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.) and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) — who have said they would like to see a trial begin. |
| “My Democratic friends are losing patience,” McConnell said, accusing Pelosi of having an “endless appetite for these cynical games.” | “My Democratic friends are losing patience,” McConnell said, accusing Pelosi of having an “endless appetite for these cynical games.” |
| “At the very same time a global crisis was unfolding . . . in real time, she published another ‘Dear Colleague’ letter saying she intends to keep our commander in chief in this limbo indefinitely,” McConnell said, referring to the hostilities with Iran. | “At the very same time a global crisis was unfolding . . . in real time, she published another ‘Dear Colleague’ letter saying she intends to keep our commander in chief in this limbo indefinitely,” McConnell said, referring to the hostilities with Iran. |
| Trump, who has been huddling with his national security team, will address the nation at 11 a.m. on the situation on Iran, according to updated guidance issued by the White House. | Trump, who has been huddling with his national security team, will address the nation at 11 a.m. on the situation on Iran, according to updated guidance issued by the White House. |
| He is scheduled to appear from the Grand Foyer of the White House. | He is scheduled to appear from the Grand Foyer of the White House. |
| Trump’s remarks are expected to be his first on Iran since a tweet Tuesday night, in which he said, “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” | Trump’s remarks are expected to be his first on Iran since a tweet Tuesday night, in which he said, “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” |
| Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said Wednesday that he anticipates Pelosi will make a decision about transmitting articles of impeachment “in the next few days” and defended the three-week delay. | Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said Wednesday that he anticipates Pelosi will make a decision about transmitting articles of impeachment “in the next few days” and defended the three-week delay. |
| “I understand she may make a decision in the next few days, but that’s entirely up to her,” Durbin said during an appearance on CNN. “What’s she been looking for is not unreasonable. The Constitution calls for a trial in the Senate. She has asked what that trial will be. As one my colleagues said the other day … a trial has witnesses. A coverup does not have witnesses.” | “I understand she may make a decision in the next few days, but that’s entirely up to her,” Durbin said during an appearance on CNN. “What’s she been looking for is not unreasonable. The Constitution calls for a trial in the Senate. She has asked what that trial will be. As one my colleagues said the other day … a trial has witnesses. A coverup does not have witnesses.” |
| The shift in impeachment terrain has upended the tone of debate among Democrats and Republicans, with each side arguing a different theme from just three weeks ago, when the House approved the two articles against Trump. | The shift in impeachment terrain has upended the tone of debate among Democrats and Republicans, with each side arguing a different theme from just three weeks ago, when the House approved the two articles against Trump. |
| For weeks, House Democrats highlighted how their investigation unearthed Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukrainian officials to investigate the president’s domestic political rivals. House Republicans bemoaned what they saw as a flawed and unfair investigative process. It was a “sham impeachment,” as Trump put it at a rally last month. | For weeks, House Democrats highlighted how their investigation unearthed Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukrainian officials to investigate the president’s domestic political rivals. House Republicans bemoaned what they saw as a flawed and unfair investigative process. It was a “sham impeachment,” as Trump put it at a rally last month. |
| With the case eventually moving into the GOP-controlled Senate, the sides have flipped positions. | With the case eventually moving into the GOP-controlled Senate, the sides have flipped positions. |
| Most Senate Republicans, still dismissive of the House investigation, are pushing for a trial in which no more investigative work is done and a verdict is rendered within two weeks or so. And Democrats are demanding a fair process, asserting that it would be flawed without additional investigative work with more witnesses. | Most Senate Republicans, still dismissive of the House investigation, are pushing for a trial in which no more investigative work is done and a verdict is rendered within two weeks or so. And Democrats are demanding a fair process, asserting that it would be flawed without additional investigative work with more witnesses. |
| Read more here. | Read more here. |
| Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) said Wednesday on CNN that the Senate would be conducting “a sham of a trial” if it does not include former national security adviser John Bolton as a witness. | Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) said Wednesday on CNN that the Senate would be conducting “a sham of a trial” if it does not include former national security adviser John Bolton as a witness. |
| Bolton said earlier this week that he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial if a subpoena is issued. Some Republicans have argued that Bolton shouldn’t be called since he did not participate in the House impeachment proceedings. | Bolton said earlier this week that he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial if a subpoena is issued. Some Republicans have argued that Bolton shouldn’t be called since he did not participate in the House impeachment proceedings. |
| Manchin argued that Bolton and others with firsthand knowledge of what happened toward Ukraine are necessary for a “serious” trial. | Manchin argued that Bolton and others with firsthand knowledge of what happened toward Ukraine are necessary for a “serious” trial. |
| “If it’s not serious, then shame on all of us,” Manchin said. “And if you don’t want to see the evidence to make an informed, intelligent decision, then you don’t intend to have a trial whatsoever.” | “If it’s not serious, then shame on all of us,” Manchin said. “And if you don’t want to see the evidence to make an informed, intelligent decision, then you don’t intend to have a trial whatsoever.” |
| Manchin reiterated his view that Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment so that a trial can begin. | Manchin reiterated his view that Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment so that a trial can begin. |
| “I think it’s time to turn the articles over,” he said. “Let’s see where the Senate can take it, and hopefully we will have a trial with witnesses.” | “I think it’s time to turn the articles over,” he said. “Let’s see where the Senate can take it, and hopefully we will have a trial with witnesses.” |
| Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) expressed hope that key witnesses would appear at a Senate impeachment trial even if it opens without an agreement with Republicans on who will be called. | Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) expressed hope that key witnesses would appear at a Senate impeachment trial even if it opens without an agreement with Republicans on who will be called. |
| Kaine spoke on MSNBC a day after McConnell said he has the votes to launch a trial in which there would be no determination on witnesses before opening statements from House impeachment managers and lawyers for Trump, as well as an opportunity for senators to question both sides. | Kaine spoke on MSNBC a day after McConnell said he has the votes to launch a trial in which there would be no determination on witnesses before opening statements from House impeachment managers and lawyers for Trump, as well as an opportunity for senators to question both sides. |
| Kaine said he expects Republicans would have a hard time voting against Democratic motions to call witnesses with direct knowledge of Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. | Kaine said he expects Republicans would have a hard time voting against Democratic motions to call witnesses with direct knowledge of Trump’s conduct toward Ukraine, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. |
| “When the Republicans are faced with the motion, why wouldn’t you want to have John Bolton come? You’ve got to have Mick Mulvaney come,” Kaine said. “It’s going to be very hard for them to live up to the oath of impartial justice and turn a blind eye to evidence that’s out there that bears on the questions in this trial.” | “When the Republicans are faced with the motion, why wouldn’t you want to have John Bolton come? You’ve got to have Mick Mulvaney come,” Kaine said. “It’s going to be very hard for them to live up to the oath of impartial justice and turn a blind eye to evidence that’s out there that bears on the questions in this trial.” |
| Asked if Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment, Kaine said: “I don’t need to tell the speaker what to do, but I’ll tell you this: My intuition is we’ll be in a trial soon.” | Asked if Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment, Kaine said: “I don’t need to tell the speaker what to do, but I’ll tell you this: My intuition is we’ll be in a trial soon.” |
| Trump plans to address the nation on hostilities with Iran on Wednesday morning, he indicated in a tweet on Tuesday night, as a trial on his impeachment looms in the Senate. | Trump plans to address the nation on hostilities with Iran on Wednesday morning, he indicated in a tweet on Tuesday night, as a trial on his impeachment looms in the Senate. |
| Trump announced his planned address in a tweet after Iranian forces launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq, marking the most significant Iranian attack in the growing conflict with the United States. | Trump announced his planned address in a tweet after Iranian forces launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq, marking the most significant Iranian attack in the growing conflict with the United States. |
| “All is well!” Trump said in his tweet. “Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” | “All is well!” Trump said in his tweet. “Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!” |
| An advisory on Trump’s schedule issued Tuesday night by the White House did not include the advertised address, and it remains unclear what time Trump plans to speak. He does not have any other public events scheduled on Wednesday. | An advisory on Trump’s schedule issued Tuesday night by the White House did not include the advertised address, and it remains unclear what time Trump plans to speak. He does not have any other public events scheduled on Wednesday. |
| Pelosi signaled Tuesday night that she will not transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate and appoint House impeachment managers until McConnell unveils a proposed resolution laying out the rules of Senate trial. | Pelosi signaled Tuesday night that she will not transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate and appoint House impeachment managers until McConnell unveils a proposed resolution laying out the rules of Senate trial. |
| “It is important that he immediately publish this resolution, so that, as I have said before, we can see the arena in which we will be participating, appoint managers and transmit the articles to the Senate,” Pelosi said in a letter to Democratic colleagues. | “It is important that he immediately publish this resolution, so that, as I have said before, we can see the arena in which we will be participating, appoint managers and transmit the articles to the Senate,” Pelosi said in a letter to Democratic colleagues. |
| Though the House voted on Dec. 18 to impeach the president, Pelosi has declined to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate, effectively hamstringing the chamber from launching the trial. | Though the House voted on Dec. 18 to impeach the president, Pelosi has declined to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate, effectively hamstringing the chamber from launching the trial. |
| “In December, the House upheld its constitutional duty to defend democracy For The People, honoring our Founders’ vision for a Republic,” Pelosi said in her letter. “Soon, the Senate will have the opportunity to honor its oath to ‘do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.’ ” | “In December, the House upheld its constitutional duty to defend democracy For The People, honoring our Founders’ vision for a Republic,” Pelosi said in her letter. “Soon, the Senate will have the opportunity to honor its oath to ‘do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.’ ” |
| She also took aim at McConnell, saying he had “made clear that his loyalty is to the President and not the Constitution.” | She also took aim at McConnell, saying he had “made clear that his loyalty is to the President and not the Constitution.” |
| McConnell said Tuesday that he is prepared to begin Trump’s impeachment trial with no agreement with Democrats on witnesses. | McConnell said Tuesday that he is prepared to begin Trump’s impeachment trial with no agreement with Democrats on witnesses. |
| At a news conference on Tuesday, he announced that he has the votes to begin the trial in the format that he and most of his members have long envisioned: opening arguments for both the House impeachment managers and Trump’s defense team, as well as ample time for senators to submit questions in writing. | At a news conference on Tuesday, he announced that he has the votes to begin the trial in the format that he and most of his members have long envisioned: opening arguments for both the House impeachment managers and Trump’s defense team, as well as ample time for senators to submit questions in writing. |
| A growing number of members of the Senate Democratic caucus are becoming impatient with the delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment and saying it’s time to begin the trial. | A growing number of members of the Senate Democratic caucus are becoming impatient with the delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment and saying it’s time to begin the trial. |
| “I think it needs to start; I really do,” Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) told reporters on Tuesday. He argued that the delay helped prompt former national security adviser John Bolton’s statement Monday that he would be willing to testify in the Senate, and added: “Let us do what we have to do over here.” | “I think it needs to start; I really do,” Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) told reporters on Tuesday. He argued that the delay helped prompt former national security adviser John Bolton’s statement Monday that he would be willing to testify in the Senate, and added: “Let us do what we have to do over here.” |
| Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said now that it is clear McConnell has Republicans in line against a witness deal, “I think the time has passed. She should send the articles over.” | Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said now that it is clear McConnell has Republicans in line against a witness deal, “I think the time has passed. She should send the articles over.” |
| Meanwhile, asked whether Pelosi should transmit the articles to the Senate promptly, Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said, “I think that’s up to her.” | Meanwhile, asked whether Pelosi should transmit the articles to the Senate promptly, Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said, “I think that’s up to her.” |
| “But I do think we need to get this thing going,” he added. | “But I do think we need to get this thing going,” he added. |