Graham’s resolution condemns ‘closed’ sessions

A leading Senate ally of President Donald Trump introduced a resolution Thursday condemning the Democratic-run House for pursuing an “illegitimate impeachment inquiry ” and demanding that Republicans be given more chances to question witnesses.

The nonbinding resolution announced by GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina gives Senate Republicans a chance to show support for Trump at a moment when the president is urging his GOP allies to fight harder for him as the House impeachment probe gathers momentum.

Graham said the House process so far has been “a starchamber-type inquiry ” and accused Democrats of using it to damage Trump.

Rather than attacking the substance of the evidence investigators are accumulating, Republicans have focused on asserting that House impeachment proceedings have been secretive and unfair.

With lawmakers from both parties present, House investigators have been questioning diplomats and administration officials behind closed doors.

Democrats are expected to soon hold public hearings. Should the House vote to impeach Trump, both sides would be able to question witnesses during the trial the Gop-run

Senate would then commence.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell, R-KY., is a leading cosponsor of the measure. Asked about a vote, Mcconnell said Republicans are “discussing the way forward on that.”

Later on Thursday, Graham said 44 of the Senate’s 53 Republicans had co-sponsored the resolution.