Coons concerned, disappointed in Republicans over impeachment trial rules
The rules for the Senate impeachment trial are set and Delaware’s U.S. Senator Chris Coons is concerned, expressing disappointment in his Republican colleagues who he suggested would rather have a coverup than a fair trial.
“I’ve been deeply disappointed in my Republican colleagues who are voting in lockstep and straight party-line votes not to accept more evidence, not to call for more witnesses, and not to explore any of the developments that have happen in recent weeks,” Senator Coons said via a video posted to Twitter.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed nearly a dozen amendments to allow the Senate to subpoena countless documents from the Trump administration along with a slew of witnesses such as former national security adviser John Bolton and the President’s chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney.
Following hours of debate, all of the amendments were struck down as Republicans voted party-line and did not waver.
“I am greatly concerned this means what we’re going to get in the Senate is not a fair and full trial that is determined to get to the truth of the matter, but a coverup that is designed to move as quickly as possible through the Senate and reach a predetermined result,” Sen. Coons said.
The rules for the impeachment trial were approved early Wednesday morning by a 53-47 party-line vote that halts any subpoenaing of witnesses or documents until later on in the trial.
