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US House delivers article of impeachment against Trump to Senate – live US House delivers article of impeachment against Trump to Senate – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Nancy Pelosi sends charge of incitement to Senate, while Janet Yellen confirmed as Treasury secretary – follow all the latest news live Nancy Pelosi sends charge of incitement to Senate, while Janet Yellen confirmed as Treasury secretary
Here’s a recap of today, from me and Joanna Walters:Here’s a recap of today, from me and Joanna Walters:
The US House impeachment managers carried the article of impeachment – charging incitement – against Donald Trump to the Senate. Trump will be the first American president in history to face a second impeachment trial.The US House impeachment managers carried the article of impeachment – charging incitement – against Donald Trump to the Senate. Trump will be the first American president in history to face a second impeachment trial.
Joe Biden announced that he hops to ramp up vaccinations from million shots a day to 1.5m, with the aim of vaccinating most people in the US “by the spring”. In the mean time, the president encouraged people to mask up: “If we wear masks between now and the end of April we can save 50,000 lives.” Joe Biden announced that he hopes to ramp up vaccinations from a million shots a day to 1.5m, with the aim of vaccinating most people in the US “by the spring”. In the meantime, the president encouraged people to mask up: “If we wear masks between now and the end of April we can save 50,000 lives.”
The Treasury Department is taking steps to get the project to put abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the US $20 bill back on track. The redesigned $20 bill was initially due to be unveiled last year, but those efforts were halted by the Treasury after the former president, Donald Trump, called them an example of “pure political correctness” The Treasury Department is taking steps to get the project to put abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the US $20 bill back on track. The redesigned $20 bill was initially due to be unveiled last year, but those efforts were halted by the Treasury after the former president, Donald Trump, called them an example of “pure political correctness”.
The US Department of Justice’s internal watchdog, inspector general Michael Horowitz, is launching an investigation in whether any department officials engaged in an improper attempt to alter the election result. The announcement came after the New York Times first reported that Jeffrey Clark, then the department’s acting assistant attorney general for the Civil Division, had plotted with Donald Trump in a failed attempt to oust then-Attorney General Jeff Rosen so that he could launch a probe of alleged voter fraud in Georgia.The US Department of Justice’s internal watchdog, inspector general Michael Horowitz, is launching an investigation in whether any department officials engaged in an improper attempt to alter the election result. The announcement came after the New York Times first reported that Jeffrey Clark, then the department’s acting assistant attorney general for the Civil Division, had plotted with Donald Trump in a failed attempt to oust then-Attorney General Jeff Rosen so that he could launch a probe of alleged voter fraud in Georgia.
The Biden-Harris administration reversed Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the US military. “It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride,” Biden said.The Biden-Harris administration reversed Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the US military. “It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride,” Biden said.
The Senate confirmed Janet Yellen as the first woman Treasury Secretary. Yellen, 74, received support from both Republicans and Democrats and was confirmed 84-15. She was chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018 and has longstanding ties to Capitol Hill lawmakers – making her an uncontroversial pick. The Senate confirmed Janet Yellen as the first woman treasury secretary. Yellen, 74, received support from both Republicans and Democrats and was confirmed 84-15. She was the chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018 and has longstanding ties to Capitol Hill lawmakers – making her an uncontroversial pick.
Mitch McConnell, the leader of Senate Republicans for over a decade, now finds himself in the position every caucus leader dreads: out of power in the chamber, in charge of an unruly bunch of politicians, and under pressure over how to handle the impeachment of Donald Trump.Mitch McConnell, the leader of Senate Republicans for over a decade, now finds himself in the position every caucus leader dreads: out of power in the chamber, in charge of an unruly bunch of politicians, and under pressure over how to handle the impeachment of Donald Trump.
And as McConnell became the Senate minority leader last week, he was confronted with two pressing concerns: retaining power through early negotiations with his Democratic counterpart Chuck Schumer, the new Senate majority leader, and figuring out how to proceed on the impeachment trial of Trump, which is set to begin in early February.And as McConnell became the Senate minority leader last week, he was confronted with two pressing concerns: retaining power through early negotiations with his Democratic counterpart Chuck Schumer, the new Senate majority leader, and figuring out how to proceed on the impeachment trial of Trump, which is set to begin in early February.
It’s a unique predicament for a senator regarded by Republicans as a strategic mastermind of Senate procedure – and one reviled by Democrats for obstructionism.It’s a unique predicament for a senator regarded by Republicans as a strategic mastermind of Senate procedure – and one reviled by Democrats for obstructionism.
McConnell, now once again in the minority, will have to deal with anti-establishment colleagues such as Cruz and Missouri senator Josh Hawley. Those two senators led the challenge to certifying Joe Biden’s victory that resulted in a mob invading Capitol Hill. McConnell has butted heads with Cruz and allies before, and emerged victorious while effectively isolating Cruz as punishment. As his caucus knows, losing a fight with McConnell has its consequences.McConnell, now once again in the minority, will have to deal with anti-establishment colleagues such as Cruz and Missouri senator Josh Hawley. Those two senators led the challenge to certifying Joe Biden’s victory that resulted in a mob invading Capitol Hill. McConnell has butted heads with Cruz and allies before, and emerged victorious while effectively isolating Cruz as punishment. As his caucus knows, losing a fight with McConnell has its consequences.
He and other Republicans are weighing how to proceed on impeaching Trump. McConnell and other Republican leaders were horrified both by the certification challenge, and it further undermined the already strained ties between McConnell and Trump. Privately, McConnell has indicated that he is at least more open to a Trump impeachment conviction, which could facilitate barring him from becoming president again.He and other Republicans are weighing how to proceed on impeaching Trump. McConnell and other Republican leaders were horrified both by the certification challenge, and it further undermined the already strained ties between McConnell and Trump. Privately, McConnell has indicated that he is at least more open to a Trump impeachment conviction, which could facilitate barring him from becoming president again.
“The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people,” McConnell said earlier this week.“The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people,” McConnell said earlier this week.
But it’s unclear whether there are the 17 votes needed among Republicans for the Senate to convict Trump, and how fraught with peril it might be for Republicans who do support impeachment. Some are already lobbying McConnell to move forward, even as the few House Republicans who supported impeachment in their chamber face primary challenges and growing blowback.But it’s unclear whether there are the 17 votes needed among Republicans for the Senate to convict Trump, and how fraught with peril it might be for Republicans who do support impeachment. Some are already lobbying McConnell to move forward, even as the few House Republicans who supported impeachment in their chamber face primary challenges and growing blowback.
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The impeachment trial of Donald Trump “has to happen,” Joe Biden told CNN.The impeachment trial of Donald Trump “has to happen,” Joe Biden told CNN.
The president has urged Senators to prioritize coronavirus relief legislation and approving his Cabinet nominees but acknowledged in an interview with the news network that the trial has to take place, even if chances that Republicans will vote to convict are slim.The president has urged Senators to prioritize coronavirus relief legislation and approving his Cabinet nominees but acknowledged in an interview with the news network that the trial has to take place, even if chances that Republicans will vote to convict are slim.
“The Senate has changed since I was there, but it hasn’t changed that much,” Biden told CNN.“The Senate has changed since I was there, but it hasn’t changed that much,” Biden told CNN.
The Senate is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans. At least 17 Republican senators will have to vote with all the Democrats in order to convict the president, who the House has charged with inciting the attack on the US Capitol on 6 January.The Senate is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans. At least 17 Republican senators will have to vote with all the Democrats in order to convict the president, who the House has charged with inciting the attack on the US Capitol on 6 January.
House impeachment managers delivered the article of impeachment against Trump to the Senate today. Traditionally, the trial would kick off right afterward - but Republicans and Democrats agreed to a two-week delay to allow both sides to prepare arguments and give senators a fortnight to negotiate vital legislation and consider cabinet appointments in the meantime.House impeachment managers delivered the article of impeachment against Trump to the Senate today. Traditionally, the trial would kick off right afterward - but Republicans and Democrats agreed to a two-week delay to allow both sides to prepare arguments and give senators a fortnight to negotiate vital legislation and consider cabinet appointments in the meantime.
Trump, who has left Washington for his private resort in Florida, is accused of inciting the Capitol insurrection while trying to overturn his election defeat.Trump, who has left Washington for his private resort in Florida, is accused of inciting the Capitol insurrection while trying to overturn his election defeat.
The impeachment article mentions his attempt to get Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger, also a Republican, to “find” votes that would overturn the result there, as detailed in a recorded phone call that was obtained by reporters.The impeachment article mentions his attempt to get Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger, also a Republican, to “find” votes that would overturn the result there, as detailed in a recorded phone call that was obtained by reporters.
Senators are also likely to be asked to consider new reporting, first by the New York Times, which alleges that in Trump’s final weeks in office he considered replacing the acting attorney general with a Department of Justice (DoJ) lawyer ready to pursue unfounded claims of election fraud.Senators are also likely to be asked to consider new reporting, first by the New York Times, which alleges that in Trump’s final weeks in office he considered replacing the acting attorney general with a Department of Justice (DoJ) lawyer ready to pursue unfounded claims of election fraud.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump pushed the DoJ to ask the supreme court to invalidate Biden’s win. Senior officials reportedly threatened to resign en masse if the acting attorney general was forced out.The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump pushed the DoJ to ask the supreme court to invalidate Biden’s win. Senior officials reportedly threatened to resign en masse if the acting attorney general was forced out.
Trump survived his first impeachment, over approaches to Ukraine for dirt on political rivals, last year. He became the first federal official to be impeached twice on 13 January, when every House Democrat and 10 Republicans voted to send him to the Senate for trial.Trump survived his first impeachment, over approaches to Ukraine for dirt on political rivals, last year. He became the first federal official to be impeached twice on 13 January, when every House Democrat and 10 Republicans voted to send him to the Senate for trial.
In a statement then, Pelosi said: “Exactly one week after the attack on the Capitol to undermine the integrity of our democracy, a bipartisan vote of the House of Representatives passed the article of impeachment, which is our solemn duty to deliver to the Senate.”In a statement then, Pelosi said: “Exactly one week after the attack on the Capitol to undermine the integrity of our democracy, a bipartisan vote of the House of Representatives passed the article of impeachment, which is our solemn duty to deliver to the Senate.”
Though the Senate is now controlled by Democrats, two-thirds of senators must vote against Trump if he is to be convicted. That means 17 Republicans must go against a former president from their own party. As of Friday, according to a tally by the Washington Post, 42 senators had said they supported impeachment, 19 were open to conviction, 28 were opposed and 11 had made no indication.Though the Senate is now controlled by Democrats, two-thirds of senators must vote against Trump if he is to be convicted. That means 17 Republicans must go against a former president from their own party. As of Friday, according to a tally by the Washington Post, 42 senators had said they supported impeachment, 19 were open to conviction, 28 were opposed and 11 had made no indication.
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Trump’s counselTrump’s counsel
Butch Bowers: Trump tapped Bowers, a South Carolina lawyer, to lead his legal team and defense in the senate. A friend of Trump ally Lindsey Graham, Bowers worked for Mark Sanford, then the South Carolina governor, when he was nearly impeached in connection to an affair over a decade ago. In 2012, he also represented Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who went on to work in the Trump administration, in an ethics investigation. He also has helped defend North Carolina and South Carolina voter ID measures, according to the Post and Courier, and worked as a special counsel on voting matters in the justice department under George W Bush.Butch Bowers: Trump tapped Bowers, a South Carolina lawyer, to lead his legal team and defense in the senate. A friend of Trump ally Lindsey Graham, Bowers worked for Mark Sanford, then the South Carolina governor, when he was nearly impeached in connection to an affair over a decade ago. In 2012, he also represented Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who went on to work in the Trump administration, in an ethics investigation. He also has helped defend North Carolina and South Carolina voter ID measures, according to the Post and Courier, and worked as a special counsel on voting matters in the justice department under George W Bush.
Trump reportedly struggled to find a legal team for the trial. Former White House counsel Pat Cipollone, and well-known lawyers like Jay Sekulow, Ken Starr, Alan Derschowitz, and Rudy Giuliani who helped defend the president during the first trial are not participating.Trump reportedly struggled to find a legal team for the trial. Former White House counsel Pat Cipollone, and well-known lawyers like Jay Sekulow, Ken Starr, Alan Derschowitz, and Rudy Giuliani who helped defend the president during the first trial are not participating.
Senate party leadersSenate party leaders
Mitch McConnell: The cunning House minority leader, McConnell won’t be making a case for or against Trump during the trial, but will remain one of the most powerful Republicans. In a significant move, McConnell has left the door open towards voting for impeaching Trump, which could encourage other Republicans following along. Even if they do get McConnell’s vote, Democrats would still need to get at least 16 other senators to vote for impeachment – a high bar.Mitch McConnell: The cunning House minority leader, McConnell won’t be making a case for or against Trump during the trial, but will remain one of the most powerful Republicans. In a significant move, McConnell has left the door open towards voting for impeaching Trump, which could encourage other Republicans following along. Even if they do get McConnell’s vote, Democrats would still need to get at least 16 other senators to vote for impeachment – a high bar.
Chuck Schumer: The newly elected Ssenate majority leader, Schumer will be responsible for keeping his caucus aligned and trying to win over Republican support, all while helping to maintain messaging during the trial. Schumer has been outspoken about the need to impeach Trump.Chuck Schumer: The newly elected Ssenate majority leader, Schumer will be responsible for keeping his caucus aligned and trying to win over Republican support, all while helping to maintain messaging during the trial. Schumer has been outspoken about the need to impeach Trump.
House impeachment managersHouse impeachment managers
The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has tapped nine Democrats to be House impeachment managers and essentially serve as prosecutors against Trump. Here’s a look at some of the major players in the trial.The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has tapped nine Democrats to be House impeachment managers and essentially serve as prosecutors against Trump. Here’s a look at some of the major players in the trial.
Read more about them here:Read more about them here:
The impeachment article reads:The impeachment article reads:
The House impeachment managers are now being received at the Senate.The House impeachment managers are now being received at the Senate.
Maryland representative Jamie Raskin will read the article...Maryland representative Jamie Raskin will read the article...
The US House impeachment managers are marching the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate.The US House impeachment managers are marching the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate.
Trump will be the first American president in history to face a second impeachment trial.Trump will be the first American president in history to face a second impeachment trial.
A reading of the article – which charges incitement – will follow the formal procession.A reading of the article – which charges incitement – will follow the formal procession.
Normally, the trial would begin as soon as the article is read. But Republicans and Democrats in the Senate reached a deal to allow Trump two weeks to mount a defense, while senators focus on Joe Biden’s legislative agenda and voting on his cabinet nominees.Normally, the trial would begin as soon as the article is read. But Republicans and Democrats in the Senate reached a deal to allow Trump two weeks to mount a defense, while senators focus on Joe Biden’s legislative agenda and voting on his cabinet nominees.
Donald Trump, banned from Twitter, appears to have up an “office of the former president” in Florida.Donald Trump, banned from Twitter, appears to have up an “office of the former president” in Florida.
Per a statement from the office:Per a statement from the office:
Antony Blinken’s nomination for secretary of state was approved by the Senate foreign relations committee, 15-3.Antony Blinken’s nomination for secretary of state was approved by the Senate foreign relations committee, 15-3.
Republicans John Barrasso, Rand Paul and Ted Cruz voted against the nomination.Republicans John Barrasso, Rand Paul and Ted Cruz voted against the nomination.
The Guardian’s Julian Borger wrote, on Biden’s pick of Blinken in November:The Guardian’s Julian Borger wrote, on Biden’s pick of Blinken in November:
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Yellen sailed through a congressional hearing last week and had already been unanimously approved by the Senate finance committee and backed by all living former treasury secretaries.Yellen sailed through a congressional hearing last week and had already been unanimously approved by the Senate finance committee and backed by all living former treasury secretaries.
She faces a monumental task. Only this week another 900,000 people filed for unemployment benefits – more than the population of San Francisco and four times the number of weekly claims made before the coronavirus pandemic struck.She faces a monumental task. Only this week another 900,000 people filed for unemployment benefits – more than the population of San Francisco and four times the number of weekly claims made before the coronavirus pandemic struck.
Businesses are closing across the US amid a surge in infections. The US reported more than 188,000 new cases for Thursday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, and close to 4,000 people are dying per day.Businesses are closing across the US amid a surge in infections. The US reported more than 188,000 new cases for Thursday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, and close to 4,000 people are dying per day.
At the hearing, Yellen said it was imperative for the government to “act big” on the next coronavirus relief package and argued now is not the time to worry about the costs of a higher debt burden.At the hearing, Yellen said it was imperative for the government to “act big” on the next coronavirus relief package and argued now is not the time to worry about the costs of a higher debt burden.
Tackling the fallout of Covid 19 would be her top priority, said Yellen, and especially its disproportionately hard impact on communities of color. Black and Latino workers are still experiencing far higher rates of unemployment, at 9.9% and 9.3%, compared with their white counterparts, 6%.Tackling the fallout of Covid 19 would be her top priority, said Yellen, and especially its disproportionately hard impact on communities of color. Black and Latino workers are still experiencing far higher rates of unemployment, at 9.9% and 9.3%, compared with their white counterparts, 6%.
“We need to make sure that people aren’t going hungry in America, that they can put food on the table, that they’re not losing their homes and ending up out on the street because of evictions,” Yellen said. “We really need to address those forms of suffering, and I think we shouldn’t compromise on it.”“We need to make sure that people aren’t going hungry in America, that they can put food on the table, that they’re not losing their homes and ending up out on the street because of evictions,” Yellen said. “We really need to address those forms of suffering, and I think we shouldn’t compromise on it.”
Janet Yellen has been confirmed as Treasury Secretary. She’s the first woman to take the post.Janet Yellen has been confirmed as Treasury Secretary. She’s the first woman to take the post.
Yellen, 74, received support from both Republicans and Democrats and was confirmed 84-15. She was chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018 and has longstanding ties to Capitol Hill lawmakers – making her an uncontroversial pick.Yellen, 74, received support from both Republicans and Democrats and was confirmed 84-15. She was chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018 and has longstanding ties to Capitol Hill lawmakers – making her an uncontroversial pick.