Pelosi’s next move on impeachment unclear as Senate waits
Associated PressWASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he has the votes to start President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial as soon as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi releases the documents, winning support from GOP senators to postpone a decision on calling witnesses. McConnell has resisted calling new witnesses and expects the trial to end with the GOP Senate majority voting to acquit the president of the charges, and without Trump’s removal from office. “I’d like to hear from John Bolton and other witnesses with the right information, but that process will accommodate that.” Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has also said she supports McConnell’s approach. “It’s not that I don’t want to hear from him,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. “I want to hear from him when the House is willing to do their work and have the same agreement with the ambassador on their side of the Hill.” Trump faces charges that he abused the power of the presidency by pressuring Ukraine’s new leader to investigate Democrats, using as leverage $400 million in military assistance that is critical for the ally as it counters Russia at its border.