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It is time to walk and chew gum, and that’s just what Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer believes as he announces three major issues being addressed simultaneously in the Senate.
With the Biden administration now in the oval office, Schumer laid out Democrat’s plans for the coming weeks–including Trump’s impeachment.
Schumer was all business Sunday afternoon, jumping straight into what his plans are for the next three weeks at a press conference within the lobby of 875 Third Avenue. While Schumer affirms that the trial of former President Donald Trump is an important proceeding, he believes it will be a swift but fair action allowing the party to move forward and focus on COVID-19 relief plans. The date of the second impeachment trial itself has been set for the week of Feb. 8th but the articles will be read on Monday.
On Jan. 13th, President Trump was officially impeached for the second time by the House of Representatives. Schumer announced that on Jan. 25th, House management will read the articles of impeachment, and the following day members will be sworn in to sit for the trial. He emphasized that in an impeachment case, the Senators are viewed as jurors, while the House takes the form of prosecutor.
“After that both the House managers and the [former] President’s defense will have a period of time to draft their legal briefs. As they did in all of the previous impeachment trials, and during that period the Senate is able to do other things, and the two biggest things we will do are approve a number of the President’s key appointments, and advance the COVID relief bill in a bold and strong way that helps New York and helps the country. That’s what we will do during that time,” Schumer said.
Schumer is hopeful that Republican representatives will be willing to work together in a speedy, yet fair trial so that we can all move forward in addressing the numerous issues we now face. However, if Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell or any of the Republicans choose not to cooperate, Schumer says that there are tools they can use to move forward regardless of their prevention efforts.
“The January 6th insurrection at the Capitol, incited by President Trump was a day none of us will ever forget. We all want to put this awful chapter in our nation’s history behind us. But healing and unity will only come if there is truth and accountability. And that is what this trial will provide,” Schumer added.
The Impeachment trial was but one of three talking points the Senator wanted to hammer home. The agenda also included the COVID-19 relief bill and swearing in remaining members of…
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