GOP confident it ends tonight
After months of bitter political debate, it all comes down to this.
On Friday, the impeachment trial of President Trump is expected to finally draw to a close with Republicans now confident they have the votes to block Democrats’ hopes to call witnesses — including former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton.
Starting at 1 p.m., senators will hear a final four hours of debate — two from each side — which will serve as both closing remarks and a final plea for or against witnesses, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) told reporters.
“We feel positive about it,” Barrasso said of the GOP bid.
“People are planning to try to get through this complete process” on Friday.
If a vote to call witnesses fails, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is expected to introduce a motion to move to a final up-or-down vote on the two articles of impeachment, Barrasso said.
That would likely take place at about 6 p.m.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), to drag out the process, could submit amendments to McConnell’s motion, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle Thursday seemed exhausted.
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) joked that his skis were “calling him,” while presidential wannabes Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders were ready to return to the campaign trail in Iowa this weekend.
Three key GOP senators announced their decision late
Thursday night on their yesor-no vote on witnesses.
Sen. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) said he would vote against it, while both Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) and GOP Sen. Mitt Romney (Utah) said they would vote yes along with Democrats.
But the Democrats still need Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) to get to 50 votes.
In the event of a 50-50 tie, Chief Justice John Roberts, presiding over the trial, could break the tie. But those close to Roberts said he would be wary of wading into the highly partisan proceedings.
If Roberts abstains from casting a tiebreaking vote, then based on rules established at the beginning of the trial, the motion would be defeated.