Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reportedly isnt interested in dragging out the impeachment process against President Donald Trump.
Politico, CNN, and the Washington Post reported that McConnell wants to complete the Senates impeachment trial by Christmas, which is just over two months from now. The Majority Leader told other Republican senators the development in a closed-door meeting.
He said the trial would start in the early afternoon each day for six days a week as Chief Justice John Roberts presides over the upper body of Congress.
According to the reports, McConnell said he believes the House could pass articles of impeachment by Thanksgiving. The Senate could then finish the trial by Christmas.
“One of the hypotheticals is we get these before Thanksgiving break,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).
He added “Theres great motivation to get this done by Christmas.”
McConnell said the senators wouldnt be allowed to grandstand on the floor, saying they would be kicked out should they do so, CNN reported.
In a news conference after the meeting, McConnell said that “senators will not be allowed to speak, which will be good therapy for a number of them. We intend to do our constitutional responsibility.”
Meanwhile, the longtime politician also reminded the senators about the power of Roberts, who will make motions during the trial, according to the Post.
And Politico reported that McConnell thinks that Democratic leadership wants to end the process quickly.
“He thinks Democrats are of the same mind: lets not drag this out for five weeks,” said one attendee.
