The U.S. Senate leaders struck a deal on Friday to delay former President Donald J. Trump’s impeachment trial for two weeks, giving President Biden time to install his cabinet and begin moving a legislative agenda before they begin a historic proceeding to try his predecessor for “incitement of insurrection.”
According to The New York Times, the House still plans to deliver its impeachment charge at 7 p.m. Monday evening and senators will be sworn in for the trial the following day. But Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, said the chamber would then pause until the week of Feb. 8 to give the prosecution and defense time to draft and exchange written legal briefs.
“During that period, the Senate will continue to do other business for the American people, such as cabinet nominations and the Covid relief bill, which would provide relief for millions of Americans who are suffering during this pandemic,” Mr. Schumer said in a speech on the Senate floor.
The delay represented a compromise between the two party leaders in the Senate. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, had initially proposed delaying another week, until Feb. 15, to get the trial underway in person. He had cited the need for Mr. Trump’s legal team, hired only on Thursday, to prepare to give a full defense.
Democrats were weighing competing interests, including Mr. Biden’s agenda, a desire to dispatch with the trial of his predecessor quickly and to force Republican senators to go on the record with regard to Mr. Trump’s actions as soon as possible after the Jan. 6 siege at the Capitol, carried out by a mob of his supporters whom he had exhorted to fight back against his election defeat.
Mr. Biden, who has tried to steer clear of the trial, said earlier on Friday that he was in favor of a delay as the Senate worked to confirm members of his administration and start considering another coronavirus relief bill, his top priority.
“The more time we have to get up and running to meet these crises, the better,” he said.
Mr. Trump’s trial, the second in a little over a year, presents a number of novel questions for senators. No president has ever been impeached twice and no former president has ever been put on trial.
Doug Andres, a spokesman for Mr. McConnell, said the leader was “glad” Democrats had agreed to a slower timeline.
“Especially given the fast and minimal process in the House, Republicans set out to ensure the Senate’s next steps will respect former President Trump’s rights and due process, the institution of the Senate, and the office of the presidency,” he said. “That goal has been achieved. This is a win for due process and fairness.” SOURCE: The New York Times.