Washington — Senators were sworn in as jurors on Tuesday in the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump for inciting an insurrection, with proceedings scheduled to get underway in two weeks.
Senator Patrick Leahy, the president pro tempore who will be presiding over the trial in the absence of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Vice President Kamala Harris, administered the oath to senators. Senators then signed the oath book declaring their intent to serve as impartial jurors.
The Senate voted down a motion brought by GOP Senator Rand Paul challenging the constitutionality an impeachment trial against a former president. But just five Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the measure, an indication that Democrats will not attract the 17 Republicans that would be needed to convict Mr. Trump at trial.
The trial is expected to begin the week of February 8, after attorneys for the president and the House impeachment managers have presented evidence for their cases.
The House impeached Mr. Trump on January 13 — for a second time in his term — on a charge of inciting an insurrection following a deadly attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol. The article of impeachment against him was delivered to the Senate on Monday, and House impeachment managers presented, exhibited and read it aloud.
Meanwhile, the Senate continued to confirm President Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees on Tuesday, with Antony Blinken confirmed as secretary of state in a bipartisan vote earlier in the day. Several other nominees are set to face a vote in the coming days.
Source Article from https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/senate-rejects-motion-declare-trump-impeachment-trial-unconstitutional/
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