Feb 1, 2020 - Politics & Policy
Senate approves trial resolution, teeing up final impeachment vote
The Senate approved a new organizing resolution along party lines Friday night that sets up a final vote on the articles of impeachment against President Trump next Wednesday afternoon.
What's next: The Senate is now adjourned until 11 a.m. on Monday, at which point House managers and Trump's counsel will be given two hours each for closing arguments.
- Following closing arguments, the Senate trial will adjourn until Wednesday at 4 p.m., after which senators will deliver a final verdict on Trump.
- Parts of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday senators will have an opportunity to give floor speeches regarding their vote in a legislative session, without Chief Justice John Roberts.
Worth noting: This could affect Tuesday night's State of the Union address, but as of now, White House and House Democratic officials say there are no plans to delay it.
- “The president is gratified that finally at long last after multiple delays the senate will set a schedule for his acquittal as quickly as possible," Eric Ueland, White House director of legislative affairs, told reporters Friday. "I do not believe that that schedule interferes with his ability to deliver a strong and confident State of the Union message next week in the House of Representatives.”
- A senior Democratic aide told Axios that there has been "no discussion of moving the address," and that the White House has not reached out to Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office about a change in timing.