Democratic Senate Leader Charles Schumer (N.Y.) announced on Friday that the Senate will begin the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump the week of February 8.
“Both the House managers and the defense will have a period of time to draft their legal briefs just as they did in previous trials. … Once the briefs are drafted, the presentation by the parties will commence the week of Feb. 8,” Schumer said from the Senate floor.
Under the agreement between Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), the article will be read at 7 p.m. on Monday. Senators will be sworn in Tuesday and a summons will be issued to Trump.
A spokesman for McConnell argued that the timeline is a win for the GOP leader, who had wanted to delay the trial until mid-February.
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“Leader McConnell is glad that Leader Schumer agreed to Republicans’ request for additional time during the pre-trial phase. 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,” said Doug Andres, a spokesman for McConnell.
Schumer assured the American public that the trial won’t stop lawmakers from doing their jobs.
“The Senate will continue to do other business for the American people, such as Cabinet nominations and the COVID relief bill,” Schumer said.
