Clayton Keirns
On Saturday morning, the Senate delayed the impeachment trial by approving witnesses with a vote of 55-45. The final impeachment vote was supposed to take place on Sunday, but this may very well extend the entire process.
According to CNN, GOP Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitt Romney and Ben Sasse voted in favor of witnesses.
Lindsey Graham changed his initial vote from “no” to “yes”, but many believe that was in order to support the ability of Trump’s lawyers to call witnesses as well.
For what it’s worth, Mitch McConnell voted AGAINST witnessess:
McConnell voted against witnesses, as did Thune
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 13, 2021
Many reports have confirmed that since witnesses have been allowed, the Trump legal team will subpoena Nancy Pelosi and DC Mayor Bowser.
“A person familiar with Trump legal team strategy said that if Democrats do seek witnesses, Trump’s legal team will try to call House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser,” CNN reports.
Sadly, the GOP would need 51 votes in order for that to happen, and there is no way that democrats would allow for their corruption to be exposed.
Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju reveals the next steps in the process:
Here's what happens now:
1) There needs to be vote on simple majority basis to subpoena specific witnesses, such as Herrera Beutler or anyone else.
2) If they vote to subpoena a witness, then trial will slow down dramatically. They may need to recess and find time to depose her— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 13, 2021
3) Then after the deposition, the chamber would need to set new guidelines on what do to with the testimony that derives from the witness.
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 13, 2021
Lots of uncertainty on the floor right now. Pockets of senators talking about what’s next. Joe Manchin was just in the GOP cloakroom and then went over to talk to Rep. Castro.
Also in the cloakroom, senators were seen maskless – Lummis, Boozman and Toomey
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 13, 2021
Stay tuned for more breaking news…