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Trump Impeachment Trial Begins with Debate on Rules

Ken Bredemeier

   WASHINGTON - The impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump began
   in full Tuesday in the U.S. Senate, with the expectation of a spirited
   debate over the rules governing the third such trial in U.S. history
   over whether a president should be ousted from the White House for
   allegedly violating his oath of office.

   One of the first pieces of business for the Republican-led Senate is an
   hours-long debate on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's proposed
   timeline and parameters for the trial. Democrats are sharply contesting
   McConnell's plan, denouncing it as a "coverup" and "national disgrace",
   although McConnell says he has enough Republican votes to push through
   the schedule he wants.

   It is a plan that could lead to Trump's acquittal as soon as next week.
   A two-thirds vote in the Senate would be needed to convict Trump to
   oust him from the White House, but no Senate Republican has called for
   his removal.

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