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Impeachment live updates: Pelosi resists pressure to transmit impeachment articles to Senate Impeachment live updates: Pelosi resists pressure to transmit impeachment articles to Senate
(about 3 hours later)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continued to resist calls Thursday to transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate, even as a top Republican said GOP senators are expecting the California Democrat to send them by the end of the week.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continued to resist calls Thursday to transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate, even as a top Republican said GOP senators are expecting the California Democrat to send them by the end of the week.
At her weekly news conference, Pelosi reiterated her view that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) must lay out trial rules before she appoints impeachment managers. But she also pledged not to hold the articles “indefinitely” and said they would probably be transmitted “soon,” without giving further details.At her weekly news conference, Pelosi reiterated her view that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) must lay out trial rules before she appoints impeachment managers. But she also pledged not to hold the articles “indefinitely” and said they would probably be transmitted “soon,” without giving further details.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), meanwhile, said that Republican senators are speculating that Pelosi will send the articles to the Senate “at the end of this week, like tomorrow.”Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), meanwhile, said that Republican senators are speculating that Pelosi will send the articles to the Senate “at the end of this week, like tomorrow.”
The crux of the Democrats’ case is the allegation that President Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression, to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.The crux of the Democrats’ case is the allegation that President Trump tried to leverage a White House meeting and military aid, sought by Ukraine to combat Russian military aggression, to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to launch an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a probe of an unfounded theory that Kyiv conspired with Democrats to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.
●GOP leaders spar over adding House members to Trump’s impeachment defense team.●GOP leaders spar over adding House members to Trump’s impeachment defense team.
●How to argue about whether a Senate trial should have witnesses.●How to argue about whether a Senate trial should have witnesses.
●Rep. Stefanik tweets altered photo of Pelosi in GOP anti-impeachment fundraising appeal.●Rep. Stefanik tweets altered photo of Pelosi in GOP anti-impeachment fundraising appeal.
Which senators support removing Trump | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | House resolution impeaching Trump | Other key documentsWhich senators support removing Trump | Which House members voted to impeach Trump | House resolution impeaching Trump | Other key documents
At his first political rally in 2020, Trump spoke for nearly 90 minutes but did not offer his regular defense of the circumstances surrounding his impeachment or weigh in on a Senate trial.
He made a few passing references to it, but didn’t explicitly discuss it, focusing instead on his recent actions in Iran, as well as his normal takedowns of Democrats and the media.
At one point while insulting Democrats, he said they were “wasting their time with demented hoaxes.” He said anyone else who had to deal with the investigations he had since taking office would “be in the corner with their thumb in their mouth saying, ‘Mommy, Mommy, take me home.’ ”
Later, during an aside about the “Squad” of four freshman congresswomen of color, he blamed them for getting Democrats “into this impeachment hoax.” He then suggested that Pelosi was afraid of them.
Trump told his supporters he hoped Biden would be his 2020 opponent because “he will hear ‘Where’s Hunter’ every single debate, nine times a debate.”
Trump went off on his common riff about Biden’s son — suggesting he’s in hiding and repeating the unfounded suggestion that there was something nefarious about the younger Biden’s position on the board of a Ukrainian gas company while his father was vice president.
Though Trump was impeached for seeking an investigation into the Bidens’ dealings with Ukraine, that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to talk disparagingly about Hunter Biden.
The Senate finished its business for the week without receiving the articles of impeachment from the House and will reconvene at 3 p.m. Jan. 13.The Senate finished its business for the week without receiving the articles of impeachment from the House and will reconvene at 3 p.m. Jan. 13.
Rudolph W. Giuliani, Trump’s personal attorney, who is embroiled in the dealings with Ukraine that led to impeachment, has suggested that the articles of impeachment be deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.Rudolph W. Giuliani, Trump’s personal attorney, who is embroiled in the dealings with Ukraine that led to impeachment, has suggested that the articles of impeachment be deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.
In an op-ed for the conservative Daily Caller, Giuliani claims that “abuse of power” and “obstruction of Congress” are not impeachable crimes. He argues that if the Supreme Court lets the impeachment stand, “It would allow the House to impeach for policy differences or political leverage.” In an op-ed for the conservative Daily Caller, Giuliani claims that “abuse of power” and “obstruction of Congress” are not impeachable crimes. He argues that if the Supreme Court lets the impeachment stand, “it would allow the House to impeach for policy differences or political leverage.”
The Founding Fathers were vague about what qualified as an impeachable offense. The Democrats believe Trump’s behavior falls under “high crimes and misdemeanors.”The Founding Fathers were vague about what qualified as an impeachable offense. The Democrats believe Trump’s behavior falls under “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Giuliani also suggested that there would be an “immense amount of political benefit” for Trump in a long Senate trial, but said that McConnell should instead focus on confirming more judges. Giuliani also suggested that there would be an “immense amount of political benefit” for Trump in a long Senate trial, but said that McConnell should instead focus on confirming more judges to the federal bench.
McConnell signed on to a resolution from Sen. Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) to dismiss the case against Trump, bringing the total number of sponsors to more than a dozen. McConnell signed on to a resolution from Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) to dismiss the case against Trump, bringing the total number of sponsors to more than a dozen.
The measure would change the Senate rules to allow it to dismiss the impeachment case against Trump if Pelosi does not send articles of impeachment to the chamber.The measure would change the Senate rules to allow it to dismiss the impeachment case against Trump if Pelosi does not send articles of impeachment to the chamber.
McConnell previously signed on to a separate resolution by Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) that would condemn Pelosi for not sending over the articles.McConnell previously signed on to a separate resolution by Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) that would condemn Pelosi for not sending over the articles.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) gave reporters an explanation Thursday for his turnaround on whether Pelosi should send the articles to the Senate, saying he meant she should send them “soon,” rather than immediately.House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) gave reporters an explanation Thursday for his turnaround on whether Pelosi should send the articles to the Senate, saying he meant she should send them “soon,” rather than immediately.
“It’s really just a question of when [to send the articles],” Smith said.“It’s really just a question of when [to send the articles],” Smith said.
He noted that Pelosi herself said at her weekly news conference that she planned to transmit the articles “soon.”He noted that Pelosi herself said at her weekly news conference that she planned to transmit the articles “soon.”
“That’s what I should have said instead of, ‘Yes, I think we need to do it,’ ” Smith said. “I did not say what I meant.”“That’s what I should have said instead of, ‘Yes, I think we need to do it,’ ” Smith said. “I did not say what I meant.”
Smith said no one from Pelosi’s office contacted him to correct the statement. He also declined to say how long he believes the speaker should wait before sending the articles.Smith said no one from Pelosi’s office contacted him to correct the statement. He also declined to say how long he believes the speaker should wait before sending the articles.
“I don’t think I should try to answer that question … because she knows a heck of a lot more than I do about what conversations she’s having with the Senate or with the senators, whether it’s moderate Republicans or Democrats,” Smith said.“I don’t think I should try to answer that question … because she knows a heck of a lot more than I do about what conversations she’s having with the Senate or with the senators, whether it’s moderate Republicans or Democrats,” Smith said.
As a growing number of Democrats have called for Pelosi to release the articles of impeachment, Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.) said he supports the House speaker’s decision, praising her efforts to secure a fair trial in the Senate.As a growing number of Democrats have called for Pelosi to release the articles of impeachment, Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.) said he supports the House speaker’s decision, praising her efforts to secure a fair trial in the Senate.
“Speaker Pelosi will decide when to send the articles, not any member of the Senate,” Coons said in a tweet. “I’m ready for the Senate to begin the trial, but I absolutely understand why @SpeakerPelosi is working to ensure this is a *fair* trial with testimony from relevant witnesses. That is important.”“Speaker Pelosi will decide when to send the articles, not any member of the Senate,” Coons said in a tweet. “I’m ready for the Senate to begin the trial, but I absolutely understand why @SpeakerPelosi is working to ensure this is a *fair* trial with testimony from relevant witnesses. That is important.”
“It’s ridiculous that the White House and Senate Republicans are blocking testimony from witnesses the American people deserve to hear from,” he added.“It’s ridiculous that the White House and Senate Republicans are blocking testimony from witnesses the American people deserve to hear from,” he added.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said Thursday that her comments the previous day urging Pelosi to send over the articles to the Senate had been misinterpreted.Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said Thursday that her comments the previous day urging Pelosi to send over the articles to the Senate had been misinterpreted.
“My comments have been misunderstood,” Feinstein said. “I mean, I think she’s going to send it over when she’s ready to send it over, essentially.”“My comments have been misunderstood,” Feinstein said. “I mean, I think she’s going to send it over when she’s ready to send it over, essentially.”
She added that she does not have an issue with Pelosi’s strategy.She added that she does not have an issue with Pelosi’s strategy.
On Wednesday, Feinstein had publicly called for Pelosi to send the articles to the Senate.On Wednesday, Feinstein had publicly called for Pelosi to send the articles to the Senate.
“If we’re going to do it, she should send them over,” Feinstein said, according to Bloomberg News. “I don’t see what good delay does.”“If we’re going to do it, she should send them over,” Feinstein said, according to Bloomberg News. “I don’t see what good delay does.”
Senate Republicans are speculating that Pelosi will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate by the end of the week, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) said after Thursday’s GOP conference luncheon.Senate Republicans are speculating that Pelosi will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate by the end of the week, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) said after Thursday’s GOP conference luncheon.
“She’s like anybody, I think, under those circumstances,” Cornyn said. “When you’re in a bad spot, you kind of look for, ‘How am I going to get a break here — because of a tweet or something else that I hadn’t anticipated that gives me cover for getting out of this spot?’ She said it will be soon, and hopefully it will be soon. The speculation at lunch was that it will be this week, come over at the end of this week, like tomorrow. But we’re speculating.”“She’s like anybody, I think, under those circumstances,” Cornyn said. “When you’re in a bad spot, you kind of look for, ‘How am I going to get a break here — because of a tweet or something else that I hadn’t anticipated that gives me cover for getting out of this spot?’ She said it will be soon, and hopefully it will be soon. The speculation at lunch was that it will be this week, come over at the end of this week, like tomorrow. But we’re speculating.”
Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) introduced a resolution Thursday that would censure Pelosi for “abuse of power” for not sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate.Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) introduced a resolution Thursday that would censure Pelosi for “abuse of power” for not sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
The measure stands little chance of being taken up in the Democratic-controlled House.The measure stands little chance of being taken up in the Democratic-controlled House.
In a statement, Byrne called Pelosi’s decision to withhold the articles “a pathetic and unconstitutional attempt to extract concessions from the Senate.”In a statement, Byrne called Pelosi’s decision to withhold the articles “a pathetic and unconstitutional attempt to extract concessions from the Senate.”
“House Democrats made the misguided decision to rush through the most legally unsound and factually unsupported articles of impeachment in the history of this country, and they can’t now insist that the Senate fix their shoddy, incomplete work,” said Byrne, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat.“House Democrats made the misguided decision to rush through the most legally unsound and factually unsupported articles of impeachment in the history of this country, and they can’t now insist that the Senate fix their shoddy, incomplete work,” said Byrne, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat.
Trump said Thursday that it would be up to the Senate on whether to call former national security adviser John Bolton as a witness in the impeachment trial and said he wouldn’t stop Bolton from testifying — but added that he has concerns about “presidential privilege.”Trump said Thursday that it would be up to the Senate on whether to call former national security adviser John Bolton as a witness in the impeachment trial and said he wouldn’t stop Bolton from testifying — but added that he has concerns about “presidential privilege.”
“We have to protect presidential privilege,” Trump told reporters during an event in the Oval Office, adding that national security advisers cannot “say whatever they want to say.”“We have to protect presidential privilege,” Trump told reporters during an event in the Oval Office, adding that national security advisers cannot “say whatever they want to say.”
Bolton said this week that he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial if a subpoena is issued. He declined to participate in the House impeachment inquiry at the direction of the White House.Bolton said this week that he is prepared to testify in a Senate trial if a subpoena is issued. He declined to participate in the House impeachment inquiry at the direction of the White House.
Trump told reporters that he “always got along” with Bolton, notwithstanding differences Bolton had with some other administration officials.Trump told reporters that he “always got along” with Bolton, notwithstanding differences Bolton had with some other administration officials.
The president also declined to say whether he would be in favor of a deal that would include witness testimony from the Bidens and other Democrats.The president also declined to say whether he would be in favor of a deal that would include witness testimony from the Bidens and other Democrats.
“Well, I’m going to leave it to the Senate. But I’d like to hear the whistleblower. I’d like to hear Shifty Schiff,” Trump said, referring to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), a major player in the House impeachment proceedings. “I’d like to hear Hunter Biden and Joe Biden. … The informer that never showed up. … And the second whistleblower.”“Well, I’m going to leave it to the Senate. But I’d like to hear the whistleblower. I’d like to hear Shifty Schiff,” Trump said, referring to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), a major player in the House impeachment proceedings. “I’d like to hear Hunter Biden and Joe Biden. … The informer that never showed up. … And the second whistleblower.”
McConnell seized on the growing number of Democrats calling on Pelosi to send the articles to the Senate, saying in a tweet that she had created “bipartisan unity.”McConnell seized on the growing number of Democrats calling on Pelosi to send the articles to the Senate, saying in a tweet that she had created “bipartisan unity.”
“This is a challenging time to create bipartisan agreement,” McConnell tweeted. “But Speaker Pelosi has managed to do the impossible. She has created growing bipartisan unity — in opposition to her own reckless games with impeachment.”“This is a challenging time to create bipartisan agreement,” McConnell tweeted. “But Speaker Pelosi has managed to do the impossible. She has created growing bipartisan unity — in opposition to her own reckless games with impeachment.”
At her weekly news conference, Pelosi defended her decision to withhold the articles of impeachment and continued to press McConnell to define the contours of a Senate trial.At her weekly news conference, Pelosi defended her decision to withhold the articles of impeachment and continued to press McConnell to define the contours of a Senate trial.
“We need to see the arena to which we are sending our managers. Is that too much to ask?” Pelosi said.“We need to see the arena to which we are sending our managers. Is that too much to ask?” Pelosi said.
She emphasized, however, that she will likely send the articles over to the Senate “soon” and that Democrats will move “smartly and strategically.”She emphasized, however, that she will likely send the articles over to the Senate “soon” and that Democrats will move “smartly and strategically.”
“I’m not holding them indefinitely,” she said. “I’ll send them over when I’m ready. And that will probably be soon.”“I’m not holding them indefinitely,” she said. “I’ll send them over when I’m ready. And that will probably be soon.”
She also ridiculed McConnell’s statement earlier Thursday that the Senate will move forward with consideration of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Trade Agreement, which the House has already passed.She also ridiculed McConnell’s statement earlier Thursday that the Senate will move forward with consideration of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Trade Agreement, which the House has already passed.
“They say they pass the [USMCA],” she said. “Well, okay!”“They say they pass the [USMCA],” she said. “Well, okay!”
She also said that, as in the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, Democrats hope that “there would have been a bipartisan resolution determining how to proceed.”She also said that, as in the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, Democrats hope that “there would have been a bipartisan resolution determining how to proceed.”
Asked why she hadn’t sent over the articles and turned over negotiations to Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Pelosi said, “I’m not responsible to Mitch McConnell or anybody else except my members and the people that have worked so hard on this. Members and staff. Patriots honoring the oath of office, the Constitution of the United States. And I will give them our best shot to find the truth for our bosses — the American people.”Asked why she hadn’t sent over the articles and turned over negotiations to Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Pelosi said, “I’m not responsible to Mitch McConnell or anybody else except my members and the people that have worked so hard on this. Members and staff. Patriots honoring the oath of office, the Constitution of the United States. And I will give them our best shot to find the truth for our bosses — the American people.”
Several fellow Democrats spoke out Thursday in defense of Pelosi’s position of continuing to hold on to the articles of impeachment.Several fellow Democrats spoke out Thursday in defense of Pelosi’s position of continuing to hold on to the articles of impeachment.
“A year from now, none of you are going to remember whether we sent the articles on Jan. 9 or Jan. 18 or Jan. 25,” said Rep. Tom Malinowski (N.J.). “You will remember how this ends. That’s what’s important.”“A year from now, none of you are going to remember whether we sent the articles on Jan. 9 or Jan. 18 or Jan. 25,” said Rep. Tom Malinowski (N.J.). “You will remember how this ends. That’s what’s important.”
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (Ore.), who pushed for the hold strategy last month, said when to transmit the articles remains “a call for the speaker.”Rep. Earl Blumenauer (Ore.), who pushed for the hold strategy last month, said when to transmit the articles remains “a call for the speaker.”
“I think being deliberate, not rushing it, is absolutely the right thing to do,” he said. “And I think each day verifies the wisdom.”“I think being deliberate, not rushing it, is absolutely the right thing to do,” he said. “And I think each day verifies the wisdom.”
Rep. Jim Costa (Calif.), meanwhile, said the transmission “will be sooner than later.”Rep. Jim Costa (Calif.), meanwhile, said the transmission “will be sooner than later.”
“There’s just a whole lot of reasons why it has to be sooner than later,” he said, citing considerations of senators and upcoming presidential nominating contests. “I just think there’s a shelf life to this.”“There’s just a whole lot of reasons why it has to be sooner than later,” he said, citing considerations of senators and upcoming presidential nominating contests. “I just think there’s a shelf life to this.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Thursday accused McConnell of “making up your own rules” as he continued to press the case for calling witnesses.Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Thursday accused McConnell of “making up your own rules” as he continued to press the case for calling witnesses.
“You’re making up your own rules,” Schumer said during remarks on the Senate floor. “Every trial has had witnesses. Do you support this trial having witnesses or are you making up your own rules to serve the president’s purpose of covering up? The argument in favor of witnesses is so strong and has such common sense behind it that my Republican colleagues cannot even argue against it on the merits. They can only say we should punt the question.”“You’re making up your own rules,” Schumer said during remarks on the Senate floor. “Every trial has had witnesses. Do you support this trial having witnesses or are you making up your own rules to serve the president’s purpose of covering up? The argument in favor of witnesses is so strong and has such common sense behind it that my Republican colleagues cannot even argue against it on the merits. They can only say we should punt the question.”
McConnell has said he favors following the same procedure that was in place during the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton: Senators did not vote on calling witnesses until after hearing opening arguments from impeachment managers and lawyers for the president and having an opportunity to ask both sides questions.McConnell has said he favors following the same procedure that was in place during the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton: Senators did not vote on calling witnesses until after hearing opening arguments from impeachment managers and lawyers for the president and having an opportunity to ask both sides questions.
In his floor remarks Thursday morning, McConnell continued to seize on comments by Democrats who have called on Pelosi to send articles of impeachment to the Senate, arguing that the House speaker has “created this growing bipartisan unity here in the Senate in opposition to her own reckless behavior.”In his floor remarks Thursday morning, McConnell continued to seize on comments by Democrats who have called on Pelosi to send articles of impeachment to the Senate, arguing that the House speaker has “created this growing bipartisan unity here in the Senate in opposition to her own reckless behavior.”
He pledged that the Senate will move forward with the “people’s business” next week if Pelosi does not act.He pledged that the Senate will move forward with the “people’s business” next week if Pelosi does not act.
“If the speaker continues to refuse to take her own accusations to trial, the Senate will move forward next week with the business of our people,” McConnell said. “We will operate on the assumption that House Democrats are too embarrassed — too embarrassed — to ever move forward. And we will get back to the people’s business.”“If the speaker continues to refuse to take her own accusations to trial, the Senate will move forward next week with the business of our people,” McConnell said. “We will operate on the assumption that House Democrats are too embarrassed — too embarrassed — to ever move forward. And we will get back to the people’s business.”
He urged those Senate Democrats who have not pressed Pelosi to send over the articles to not remain “complicit.”He urged those Senate Democrats who have not pressed Pelosi to send over the articles to not remain “complicit.”
“Should future House majorities feel empowered to waste our time with junior varsity political hostage situations?” he asked. “They get to start it if they choose, but they do not get to declare that it can never be finished. They do not get to trap our entire country into an unending Groundhog Day of impeachment without resolution.”“Should future House majorities feel empowered to waste our time with junior varsity political hostage situations?” he asked. “They get to start it if they choose, but they do not get to declare that it can never be finished. They do not get to trap our entire country into an unending Groundhog Day of impeachment without resolution.”
Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) said Thursday that Pelosi is starting to lose leverage in her standoff with McConnell and suggested the process move forward.Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) said Thursday that Pelosi is starting to lose leverage in her standoff with McConnell and suggested the process move forward.
“There gets to be a time that, I think, you might as well move forward with the process because things are evolving to a point that people will not even understand where we are, what we did, and the votes that we got to charge the president with these impeachable issues,” Ruppersberger said.“There gets to be a time that, I think, you might as well move forward with the process because things are evolving to a point that people will not even understand where we are, what we did, and the votes that we got to charge the president with these impeachable issues,” Ruppersberger said.
Asked if a Senate trial should proceed, he said: “How much longer will Nancy have that leverage? It seems she’s starting to lose that leverage, so let’s move ahead with the process.”Asked if a Senate trial should proceed, he said: “How much longer will Nancy have that leverage? It seems she’s starting to lose that leverage, so let’s move ahead with the process.”
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said in a tweet Thursday that he “misspoke” during a CNN interview in which he said it was time for Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment.House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said in a tweet Thursday that he “misspoke” during a CNN interview in which he said it was time for Pelosi to transmit the articles of impeachment.
“I misspoke this morning, I do believe we should do everything we can to force the Senate to have a fair trial,” Smith tweeted. “If the Speaker believes that holding on to the articles for a longer time will help force a fair trial in the Senate, then I wholeheartedly support that decision.”“I misspoke this morning, I do believe we should do everything we can to force the Senate to have a fair trial,” Smith tweeted. “If the Speaker believes that holding on to the articles for a longer time will help force a fair trial in the Senate, then I wholeheartedly support that decision.”
During the CNN interview, Smith argued that Pelosi’s strategy had run its course.During the CNN interview, Smith argued that Pelosi’s strategy had run its course.
“I think it was perfectly advisable for the speaker to leverage that, get a better deal,” he said. “At this point, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen, and yes, I think it is time to send the impeachment to the Senate, and let Mitch McConnell be responsible for the fairness of the trial. He ultimately is.”“I think it was perfectly advisable for the speaker to leverage that, get a better deal,” he said. “At this point, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen, and yes, I think it is time to send the impeachment to the Senate, and let Mitch McConnell be responsible for the fairness of the trial. He ultimately is.”
Another House Democrat broke with Pelosi on withholding the articles of impeachment, as Rep. Ben McAdams (Utah) said he believes the speaker should go ahead and send them to the Senate.Another House Democrat broke with Pelosi on withholding the articles of impeachment, as Rep. Ben McAdams (Utah) said he believes the speaker should go ahead and send them to the Senate.
“I think it’s time,” said McAdams, who represents a congressional district that Trump carried in 2016 over Democrat Hillary Clinton. McAdams declined further comment.“I think it’s time,” said McAdams, who represents a congressional district that Trump carried in 2016 over Democrat Hillary Clinton. McAdams declined further comment.
McAdams defeated Republican incumbent Mia Love in the 2018 election for Utah’s 4th Congressional District. He is the only Democratic member of the Utah delegation.McAdams defeated Republican incumbent Mia Love in the 2018 election for Utah’s 4th Congressional District. He is the only Democratic member of the Utah delegation.
Pelosi deflected Thursday morning when asked about her plans for transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate.Pelosi deflected Thursday morning when asked about her plans for transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
“I know exactly when, but I won’t be telling you right now,” she told reporters as she entered a closed-door meeting of House Democrats.“I know exactly when, but I won’t be telling you right now,” she told reporters as she entered a closed-door meeting of House Democrats.
Asked to react to Smith’s break with her on transmitting the articles, Pelosi replied, “I’m a big fan of his.”Asked to react to Smith’s break with her on transmitting the articles, Pelosi replied, “I’m a big fan of his.”
During a television interview earlier Thursday, Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said, “I think it is time to send the impeachment to the Senate, and let Mitch McConnell be responsible for the fairness of the trial.”During a television interview earlier Thursday, Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said, “I think it is time to send the impeachment to the Senate, and let Mitch McConnell be responsible for the fairness of the trial.”
Trump returned to Twitter to urge House Republicans to vote Thursday against a war powers resolution curbing his authority toward Iran, calling it “Crazy Nancy Pelosi’s War Powers Resolution.”Trump returned to Twitter to urge House Republicans to vote Thursday against a war powers resolution curbing his authority toward Iran, calling it “Crazy Nancy Pelosi’s War Powers Resolution.”
“Also, remember her ‘speed & rush’ in getting the Impeachment Hoax voted on & done,” Trump added in the tweet. “Well, she never sent the Articles to the Senate. Just another Democrat fraud. Presidential Harassment!”“Also, remember her ‘speed & rush’ in getting the Impeachment Hoax voted on & done,” Trump added in the tweet. “Well, she never sent the Articles to the Senate. Just another Democrat fraud. Presidential Harassment!”
Vice President Pence urged the Senate on Thursday to move forward with passage of a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico while it awaits the articles of impeachment from the House.Vice President Pence urged the Senate on Thursday to move forward with passage of a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico while it awaits the articles of impeachment from the House.
“While the House of Representatives dithers with their partisan impeachment, the Senate should move on the USMCA and keep this booming economy booming,” Pence said on Fox News, referring to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.“While the House of Representatives dithers with their partisan impeachment, the Senate should move on the USMCA and keep this booming economy booming,” Pence said on Fox News, referring to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
McConnell has previously said passage of the trade deal, a major priority for Trump, would have to wait for a Senate trial.McConnell has previously said passage of the trade deal, a major priority for Trump, would have to wait for a Senate trial.
During the interview, Pence also mocked Democrats for having said Trump’s impeachment was an “urgent” matter when they voted last month, only to delay transmission of the articles.During the interview, Pence also mocked Democrats for having said Trump’s impeachment was an “urgent” matter when they voted last month, only to delay transmission of the articles.
“It just really is remarkable,” Pence said. “I don’t how many times we heard the word ‘urgent’ from the Democrat leadership in the House as they rammed through their sham investigation.”“It just really is remarkable,” Pence said. “I don’t how many times we heard the word ‘urgent’ from the Democrat leadership in the House as they rammed through their sham investigation.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) tweeted a petition and fundraising appeal that included what appeared to be an altered photo of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, drawing a retweet Thursday morning from Trump.Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) tweeted a petition and fundraising appeal that included what appeared to be an altered photo of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, drawing a retweet Thursday morning from Trump.
Stefanik’s tweet comes as Pelosi is under increasing pressure from members of both parties to send articles of impeachment to the Senate following the House’s approval of two charges against Trump last month.Stefanik’s tweet comes as Pelosi is under increasing pressure from members of both parties to send articles of impeachment to the Senate following the House’s approval of two charges against Trump last month.
The tweet shows a close-up, red-tinted photo of Pelosi, with the lines in the House speaker’s face exaggerated due to the image’s unnaturally high contrast.The tweet shows a close-up, red-tinted photo of Pelosi, with the lines in the House speaker’s face exaggerated due to the image’s unnaturally high contrast.
The photo is included on a fundraising page that urges donors to add their names to a petition and “Pressure Pelosi Now.” The site is hosted by WinRed, a Republican fundraising platform launched last year to rival the Democratic small-donor platform ActBlue.The photo is included on a fundraising page that urges donors to add their names to a petition and “Pressure Pelosi Now.” The site is hosted by WinRed, a Republican fundraising platform launched last year to rival the Democratic small-donor platform ActBlue.
A spokeswoman for Stefanik did not immediately respond to a request for comment.A spokeswoman for Stefanik did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Read more here.Read more here.
Smith said Thursday that Pelosi should go ahead and send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, becoming the highest-profile House Democrat to break with the speaker on her strategy.Smith said Thursday that Pelosi should go ahead and send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, becoming the highest-profile House Democrat to break with the speaker on her strategy.
“I think it is,” Smith said when asked during an appearance on CNN whether he believes it’s time for Pelosi to transmit the articles.“I think it is,” Smith said when asked during an appearance on CNN whether he believes it’s time for Pelosi to transmit the articles.
“I mean, I understand what the speaker is trying to do, basically trying to use the leverage of that to work with Democratic and Republican senators to try to get a reasonable trial that would actually show evidence, bring out witnesses, but at the end of the day, just like we control it in the House, Mitch McConnell controls it in the Senate,” Smith said.“I mean, I understand what the speaker is trying to do, basically trying to use the leverage of that to work with Democratic and Republican senators to try to get a reasonable trial that would actually show evidence, bring out witnesses, but at the end of the day, just like we control it in the House, Mitch McConnell controls it in the Senate,” Smith said.
“I think it was perfectly advisable for the speaker to leverage that, get a better deal. At this point, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen, and yes, I think it is time to send the impeachment to the Senate, and let Mitch McConnell be responsible for the fairness of the trial. He ultimately is.”“I think it was perfectly advisable for the speaker to leverage that, get a better deal. At this point, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen, and yes, I think it is time to send the impeachment to the Senate, and let Mitch McConnell be responsible for the fairness of the trial. He ultimately is.”
Smith joins several Senate Democrats who have said Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment.Smith joins several Senate Democrats who have said Pelosi should go ahead and transmit the articles of impeachment.
Trump claimed the two articles of impeachment against him — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — are “a joke and a scam” as he continued a busy morning on Twitter.Trump claimed the two articles of impeachment against him — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — are “a joke and a scam” as he continued a busy morning on Twitter.
“Pelosi doesn’t want to hand over The Articles of Impeachment, which were fraudulently produced by corrupt politicians like Shifty Schiff in the first place, because after all of these years of investigations and persecution, they show no crimes and are a joke and a scam!” the president said in a tweet.“Pelosi doesn’t want to hand over The Articles of Impeachment, which were fraudulently produced by corrupt politicians like Shifty Schiff in the first place, because after all of these years of investigations and persecution, they show no crimes and are a joke and a scam!” the president said in a tweet.
In a subsequent tweet, Trump wrote, in all capital letters, “PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT!”In a subsequent tweet, Trump wrote, in all capital letters, “PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT!”
Amid a spate of morning activity on Twitter, Trump highlighted a tweet from McConnell laying out his position on the standoff with Pelosi.Amid a spate of morning activity on Twitter, Trump highlighted a tweet from McConnell laying out his position on the standoff with Pelosi.
“There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure,” McConnell said in a tweet that echoed his remarks Wednesday on the Senate floor. “We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The House Democrats’ turn is over. The Senate has made its decision. This is for the Senate, and the Senate only, to decide.“There will be no haggling with the House over Senate procedure,” McConnell said in a tweet that echoed his remarks Wednesday on the Senate floor. “We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment. The House Democrats’ turn is over. The Senate has made its decision. This is for the Senate, and the Senate only, to decide.
Pelosi is expected to be peppered with questions during a regularly scheduled weekly news conference on Thursday morning about when she plans to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, which would allow a trial to proceed.Pelosi is expected to be peppered with questions during a regularly scheduled weekly news conference on Thursday morning about when she plans to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, which would allow a trial to proceed.
In recent days, Pelosi has said she is waiting to see a Senate resolution laying out the rules of a trial — a stance she reiterated Wednesday night in exchange with a reporter at the Capitol.In recent days, Pelosi has said she is waiting to see a Senate resolution laying out the rules of a trial — a stance she reiterated Wednesday night in exchange with a reporter at the Capitol.
“I said when we saw what the arena is that we would be sending members in, then we would send over the articles,” Pelosi said. “We haven’t seen that, so I don’t know how many more times I have to say that and how many times you want to ask it. But when we see the arena in which this will happen, we will then be prepared to send articles, the pay fors, and the managers.”“I said when we saw what the arena is that we would be sending members in, then we would send over the articles,” Pelosi said. “We haven’t seen that, so I don’t know how many more times I have to say that and how many times you want to ask it. But when we see the arena in which this will happen, we will then be prepared to send articles, the pay fors, and the managers.”
Despite Pelosi’s posture, a growing number of Senate Democrats are publicly saying it’s time for her to release the articles — charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — so that a trial can begin in the Senate.Despite Pelosi’s posture, a growing number of Senate Democrats are publicly saying it’s time for her to release the articles — charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — so that a trial can begin in the Senate.
Pelosi is also likely to field questions on impeachment in another high-profile venue over the weekend. She is booked at appear Sunday morning on ABC News’s “This Week.”Pelosi is also likely to field questions on impeachment in another high-profile venue over the weekend. She is booked at appear Sunday morning on ABC News’s “This Week.”
Trump plans to attend a “Keep America Great” campaign rally Thursday night in Ohio, a state that he carried by 8 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election against Democrat Hillary Clinton.Trump plans to attend a “Keep America Great” campaign rally Thursday night in Ohio, a state that he carried by 8 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election against Democrat Hillary Clinton.
The rally in downtown Toledo is scheduled for 7 p.m. Trump has used recent campaign rallies to air his grievances about the impeachment process.The rally in downtown Toledo is scheduled for 7 p.m. Trump has used recent campaign rallies to air his grievances about the impeachment process.
Earlier Thursday, Trump has an event scheduled at the White House related to environmental regulations.Earlier Thursday, Trump has an event scheduled at the White House related to environmental regulations.
He is expected to announce the administration is narrowing the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires federal agencies to assess the impact of major projects, such as building mines, expanding airports and laying pipelines, before work begins.He is expected to announce the administration is narrowing the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires federal agencies to assess the impact of major projects, such as building mines, expanding airports and laying pipelines, before work begins.
Amid the impeachment standoff, the House plans to vote Thursday on a war powers resolution that would limit Trump’s military actions regarding Iran.Amid the impeachment standoff, the House plans to vote Thursday on a war powers resolution that would limit Trump’s military actions regarding Iran.
“Members of Congress have serious, urgent concerns about the Administration’s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward,” Pelosi said in a statement on Wednesday, in which she criticized Trump for an “insufficient” notification to Congress regarding an airstrike last week that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, as well as for a briefing to House members Wednesday on the action.“Members of Congress have serious, urgent concerns about the Administration’s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward,” Pelosi said in a statement on Wednesday, in which she criticized Trump for an “insufficient” notification to Congress regarding an airstrike last week that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, as well as for a briefing to House members Wednesday on the action.
Republicans have argued that the House is trying to unnecessarily hamstring Trump.Republicans have argued that the House is trying to unnecessarily hamstring Trump.
Following a party-line vote Wednesday night by the House Rules Committee on the issue, Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) tweeted: “Each of the nine Democrats on the House Rules Committee just voted to tie President [Trump’s] hands when it comes to defending America.”Following a party-line vote Wednesday night by the House Rules Committee on the issue, Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) tweeted: “Each of the nine Democrats on the House Rules Committee just voted to tie President [Trump’s] hands when it comes to defending America.”