Americans are ready to get on with their lives in 2020, but House Democrats just aren’t having it.
After passing two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump some weeks ago, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has delayed the customary transfer of these legislative documents to the Senate. The idea is that Pelosi and her fellow Democrats are gumming up the process in order to force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to acquiesce to their terms.
McConnell hasn’t budged, however, and the developing stalemate has been a bit embarrassing…to say the least.
Now, the Republicans believe that they may have a solution to work around Pelosi’s calculated reticence.
Speaking on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he wants to change the Senate rules to kick start a trial if Pelosi does not send the articles of impeachment.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said on Friday the Senate cannot proceed with a trial under its rules until it receives them.
McConnell has argued that any decision on potential witnesses should come after senators have heard opening arguments and have had a chance to ask questions.
“My goal is to start this trial in the next coming days,” Graham said. “If we don’t get the articles this week, then we need to take matters in our own hands and change the rules.”
“This thing needs to be over with in January,” he said, arguing that a delay denies Trump an opportunity to confront the accusations and impedes Congress’ ability to pursue other business.
Senator Graham has been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump throughout the impeachment battle, often parroting the President’s talking points during his numerous television appearances.
