US House passes Trump impeachment, sends to Senate... "Impeachment trial to begin on the 21st"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The U.S. House of Representatives sent the impeachment articles against President Donald Trump regarding the 'Ukraine scandal' to the Senate on the 15th (local time). This came 28 days after the impeachment articles, charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, were passed. The Senate will begin the impeachment trial proceedings on the 21st.

According to the AP and other sources, on the same day, the House voted to send the two articles of impeachment against President Trump to the Senate and to appoint seven impeachment managers to participate in the trial. The vote result was 228 in favor and 193 against. Considering that the House has 233 Democratic seats, 197 Republican seats, 1 independent seat, and 4 vacancies, the vote was essentially conducted along party lines.

On that day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed seven impeachment managers, all Democrats, including Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, who led the drafting of the impeachment articles. The impeachment managers personally delivered the articles, contained in blue folders, to the Senate.

Following the delivery of the impeachment articles, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to formally read the articles to the Senate on the 16th by inviting the impeachment managers. On the same afternoon, Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court, who will preside over the Senate impeachment trial, will take the oath in the Senate. Leader McConnell said, "The impeachment trial will officially begin on Tuesday (the 21st)." He added, "We pledge to rise above petty partisan fights and conduct the trial fairly for our country and our institutions." McConnell expressed his belief that "this body (the Senate) can work beyond short-term thinking and partisan frenzy for the long-term best interests of our country," emphasizing, "We can and must do so."

Once the impeachment trial officially begins, hearings will be held in the Senate. This is expected to bring issues such as witness summons and evidence submission between Republicans and Democrats to the forefront. In particular, attention is focused on whether former White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor John Bolton, who has expressed willingness to testify before Congress, will appear in the Senate. Democrats also argue that testimony from Mick Mulvaney, acting White House Chief of Staff, is necessary. Speaker Pelosi stated at a press conference that "We need witnesses and documents."

However, the White House expects the impeachment trial to conclude within two weeks. A senior official from the Trump administration said regarding the trial, "I hardly see it going beyond two weeks." Since the Senate is controlled by Republicans, most expect the impeachment articles to be dismissed promptly. The Senate is composed of 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, and 2 independents, and for the impeachment to be upheld, a two-thirds majority of the senators present (67 votes) is required.