Senate leaders strike deal on rules for impeachment trial

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 19: President Donald Trump stopped to speak to reporters as he prepared to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on January 19, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Pete Marovich/Getty Images)

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UPDATED 3:20 PM PT – Monday, February 8, 2021

Senate leaders struck a deal regarding rules for the upcoming impeachment trial. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) finalized the deal Monday, on the eve of the trial’s expected start date.

According to the agreement, there will be a debate on the constitutionality of the trial on Tuesday, followed by a vote on the matter. Starting Wednesday, each side is expected to receive up to sixteen hours over the course of two days each for presentations.

Person familiar on emerging Trump trial parameters:

– Tuesday is constitutionality debate and then vote on Paul’s proposal
– Wednesday, presentations starts, up to 16 hours per side
– Potential witness vote
– No trial on the Sabbath
– Resume Sunday

— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) February 8, 2021

Schumer asserted the deal will ensure a fair trial for President Trump.

“The structure we have agreed to is eminently fair. It will allow for the trial to achieve its purpose, truth and accountability,” Schumer stated. “That’s what trials are designed to do, to arrive at the truth of the matter and render a verdict.”

The rules also gave House impeachment managers the option to call for a vote on having witnesses in the trial.

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