Thread by @jentaub

🍑Here we go! CJ Roberts gaveled in. Swore in sole Senator who was not present on Thursday.

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McConnell announced that trial briefs are at each Senator's desk.

Roberts identifies the documents including the December 18 articles of impeachment, that will be printed in the congressional record.

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Roberts notes that House managers are present in the chambers, and recognized Senate Maj. Leader McConnell who is now speaking.

McConnell's resolution being read. This is the proposal he dropped last night that is NOT the same rules that governed Clinton impeachment

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After this, Senate Minority Leader, Schumer will present amendments. There will be a recess, following which the senators will debate for two hours the Schumer proposed amendments

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This might be new? The resolution contemplates the 24 hours for each side to be spread over up to three session days.

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Witnesses must be deposed (by Senate) before any vote in the Senate as to whether their testimony will be part of the trial.

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Pat Cipollone, White House Counsel, is falsely stating that these rules proposed in the McConnell resolution are the same as the Clinton rules

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Cippilone defends having 16 hours of questioning and then no witness whatsoever.

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That should have been 8

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Rep. Adam Schiff is setting out the facts behind the impeachment. This includes "Trump illegally withheld nearly $400 million" in funding to Ukraine, a nation defending itself from Russian attack.

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Article one of impeachment states that Trump abused the power of his office for personal benefit, undermined our national security, invited foreign interference.

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Article two speaks to his obstruction of Congress. Stops a president from acting like he is above the law. We do not have a monarch, we have a president.

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Says the Senate has to answer questions.

Did president seek help from foreign nation to cheat in the election? Did he obstruct congress?

And if so, do these actions constitute high crimes and misdemeanors?

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You will vote to find the President guilty or not guilty, to find the President's actions impeachable or not impeachable. But that's not the most important question. . .say it's whether "will there be a fair trial"?

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This question is foundational. Without a fair trial, then there is no basis to render a fair verdict.

It's not really a trial at all if the House cannot present witnesses or evidence.

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The order matters. Schiff says resolution should allow documents that have been withheld to be requested. Also, witness should come before they vote on the articles of impeachment.

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"Why should this trial be different from any other trial? The answer is, it shouldn't."

Says the McConnell process "makes no sense."

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We cannot kick the can down the road. Not only is it backwards, but there is a harm.

The harm is this. Senate may "never know the full scope of the President's misconduct and those around him and neither will the American people."

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The integrity of our elections are at stake and our safety and national security.

Concerned that this resolution is part of the White House scheme to coverup his misdeeds.

We won't learn the corruption or the risk to our security and elections still present.

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"Our systems of checks and balances will be broken. President's will be accountable to no one."

Schiff says McConnell has the votes even though this was sprung on us last night (and even changed moments ago).

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"You have all now sworn an oath. . . You have sworn an oath to do impartial justice. That oath binds you. That oath supersedes all else."

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"Nothing matters now but the oath to do impartial justice and that oath requires a fair trial. Fair to the President and fair to the American people."

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"Let me be blunt. Let me be very blunt."

Majority of Americans believe the result "is precooked." Not because the President is innocent but because the President has the votes to make sure the public doesn't see the truth.

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"Let's prove them wrong. Let's prove them wrong. By convicting the president? . . .No, by letting the House prove it's case. . . By agreeing to a fair trial."

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Now Schiff is walking through his specific concerns about the McConnell resolution.

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Schiff is discussing new evidence that has come to light. Highlights: GAO finding that Trump broke the law by withholding funds to Ukraine. Bolton willing to testify now. Also Lev Parnas with testimony and document supporting Sondland saying "Everyone was in the loop."

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Wants subpoenas issued to witnesses now. Americans watching at home know that the President is getting Republicans in Senate to help block documents

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We should hear from Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. Also Robert Blair who worked for Mulvaney and John Duffey.

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Boom! Schiff just played audio of the president that he would love to have Perry, Pompeo and others testify.

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Interesting. No one objected to that audio being played. Does this mean Roberts ruled on that before this began? Will we get more audio?

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"The Constitution is not a suicide pack."

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Cool! Schiff has a text from Bill Taylor to Sondland

"As I said on the phone I think it's crazy" to withhold aid"

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Yes!

Schiff showed video of Trump saying he's fighting all of the subpoenas.

rollcall.com/video/trump_we…

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Very good for the public to see this even if the Senate will not treat these video and audio clips as evidence.

Liking what he is doing here

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Video also has Trump saying Article II of the Constitution gives him the power to do whatever he wants. (No it doesn't).

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Schiff is running through the history of impeachment. There have been 15 full senate trials for impeachment and in EVERY one there were witnesses.

On average there were 33 witnesses.

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There were 40 witnesses who testified before President Johnson's impeachment trial. Only three of them had testified before the house.

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There were 26 witnesses at the most recent impeachment trial (of Judge Porteous), many of whom had not been heard in the House.

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There is an "unbroken history" of witnesses in impeachment trials. Says it's even more important for presidential impeachments.

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Schiff, shows how the Senate's impeachment rules focus on witness attendance and testimony.

(Also. Taking a moment to show respect for Adam Schiff. May we all live up to his standard of excellence and professionalism).

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These rules "reflect centuries of practice."

"This senate should honor this practice today by rejecting this resolution."

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Schiff, says, "Aren't we following the same process as we followed in the Clinton trial?"

No
(1) mutually agreement on rules
(2) Documents were handover over befor etrial
(3) Witnesses testified (as Clinton did not obstruct it)
(4) No salacious testimony in this case

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Schiff asserts that we need subpoenas now as otherwise the senate enables the president's ongoing obstruction.

See attached

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"The facts will come out in the end. The documents that the President is hiding will be releases through the Freedom of Information Act" or by other means in time. Witnesses "will tell their stories in books" and film. The truth will come out.

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Schiff concludes with the argument that fairness dictates that senators must vote against the resolution.

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Jay Sekulow, one of President's defenders is speaking now. Remember he defended Trump during the Mueller investigation.

But -- The president was permitted to cross-examine witnesses in the House. He REFUSED to call witnesses. He refused to participate. Right? Will check

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"Why are we here" asks Sekulow. "Are we here because of a phone call? Or because since when the president was sworn into office, there was a desire to see him removed?"

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Sekulow is now referencing the Supreme Court decision in 1973. I think he said Russell. Not sure why this would apply. This is an entrapment case that was later upheld in Jacobson in 1992

oyez.org/cases/1972/71-…

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Here's the holding in Russell. I am confused why he would cite this. Maybe a different case?

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Not impressed by Sekulow.

Now it's Pat Cipollone. Who is lying. As we should expect.

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Friends, when you, like I am shocked by the utterly brazen lying by a lawyer like Cipollone, remember this.

There are people who do atrocious things, violent things with no remorse. So, of course there are liars like this. And this is the Republican party now.

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I like how he punches certain syllables. Cippollone said these articles are Ree-DICK-ulous.

Okay, boomer.

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Cippolone invokes John Bolton's name.

Puhleeeeze. What an asshat. Cippollone says issuing a lawful subpoena is a "threat."

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This is a dumb argument from Cippollone. "If they can do this to the president, they can do it to anyone" like you and me

Yeah. Sure. If he weren't the president Trump aka Individual 1 would be indicted (and in prison) for paying off a porn star and violatind election law

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I can see Pat Cippollone in a restaurant. "It's outrageous it's outrageous" that you made me wait to be seated. If they can make me wait, they will make all of you wait.

Resting indignant voice.

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There we go again. Ree-DICK-ulous charade.

Cippollone put the dick in ridiculous fo sure

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Thank goodness that indignant whiner has stop talking. Now Schumer is proposing an amendment.

This will allow subpoenas of witnesses and documents. Trying to find text of this.

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cc @AdamSchiff

Thank you @CNN! Here is the Schumer amendment

cnn.com/2020/01/21/pol…

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@CNN Phew. Our first recess at 2:50 pm. Senators will read the proposed amendment, and we will get some water and coffee.

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@CNN While we are waiting. Here are the changes that were penciled in to McConnell's proposed resolution before he presented it today.

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@CNN The other image, I think, showed the change from two days to three days for the amount of time each side had to present their cases.

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@CNN Love what former Senator @clairecmc is saying now on @MSNBC. She is shocked (as I was) that the lawyer for the president who is the White House counsel told bald-face lies in front of the Chief Justice.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC We have Andrew Weissman (from the Mueller team and Enron etc) also saying how extra-concerning that the White House counsel who works for us, not the president's own lawyer lying. Also said this is very serious and not "ridiculous".

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Okay. We are back. CJ Roberts gave Schiff an hour. He will have a co-manager Rep. Zoe Lofgren will respond to the Schumer amendments.

Schiff notes the president's team didn't defend the resolution itself. Said it's "indefensible" and that's why they said nothing about it

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Schiff covers what they said. He said they NEVER invoked executive privilege in the House. Even though the lawyers mention it to impugn the whole impeachment.

Couldn't invoke executive privilege as a legal matter, Schiff said, because they would need to be specific.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Important point. He said the Constitution should not require an exhaustion of remedies (taking every exec priv claim up the court appeals chain) for years and years before actually getting witnesses to testify at impeachment trial.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Do you want to ask Bolton "why it was drug deal." Don't you want to know why Bolton kept telling people to "go talk to the lawyers." How "can you live up to the oath you take to be impartial" if you don't hear from him.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Burn. Says they are calling Dersh, a crim law expert to testify that obstruction of congress is not impeachable offense

"No reputable constitutional law expert" would say obstruction of congress is not impeachable.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC "You don't get credit for transparency when you get caught." (Only reason that Trump released the call record from July 25, 2019 phone call with Pres. Zelensky.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC 💥 "I am not going to suggest to you that Mr. Cippillone would deliberately make a false statement." He'll let others do that. Okay. It me. He's lying.

"he's mistaken" when he says no Republicans could participate in the depositions of witnesses in House intel committee.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC "When you hear them attack the House managers, when you are really hearing is is that we don't want to talk about the president's guilt."

Also said this process is "assbackwards." (Is that how to spell)?

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Why are we here? Because the president used the power of his office to withhold military aid that Congress appropriated to defend and ally and defend ourselves against an adversary (Russia).

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC "He did this because he wanted to coerce Ukraine into these shame investigations of his opponent that he was terrified he'd lose to in the next election. You want to say that's okay?"

That's why we're here

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC It's Lofgren's turn. She said House managers support Sen Schumer's proposed amendments.

She explains why they need documents that show how president strong-armed Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 election.

She's doing great!

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Mulvaney and Blair helped set up the deal, as the documents show. They will also show those who resisted, like Bolton.

"The most important documents are at the White House."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC The amendment will prevent the president from withholding the evidence.

As powerful as the evidence is, "we did not receive a single document" from WH.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC "A trial without all of the relevant evidence is not a fair trial."

The American people overwhelmingly believe the president should produce all relevant evidence.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC "More than 200 years of Senate practice make clear that documents" are the first order of business, before the witnesses take the stand.

Also, documentary evidence has NEVER been limited to what the House covered.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC "We simply want the truth, no matter what the truth may be."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC All full senate impeachment trials included new evidence.

Now Lofgren is discussing President Johnson's impeachment trial. And John Pickering's trial.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Some helpful images on screen showing history of impeachment which involved new evidence.

Said Clinton's trial didn't involve subpoena because he'd already turned over 90,000 pages

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Even with the Clinton trial, there was an opportunity to introduce new evidence.

Why don't we have documents from President? Because WH completely refused to provide any, regardless of whether they are privileged.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Even president Nixon produce documents. But Trump has obstructed from the beginning, Lofgren stated.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Lofgren also showed a video of Trump saying, I've got an Article II.

Here's Article II. It does not make the President above the law. Note, my friends, before 2 comes 1. Article I gives Congress powers. (Oh and 3 is for the judiciary). We cool?

law.cornell.edu/constitution/a…

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Now Lofgren is returning to executive privilege. Says, as Schiff said, "in the course of entire impeachment inquiry, President Trump has not asserted executive privilege, not a single time."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC Taking this moment to say how well-prepared the House Managers are. Very impressed with @RepZoeLofgren

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Lofgren is going through documents they are requesting. Helpful images here.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren She plays a clip of Lt. Col. Vindman during which under oath at House intel. he discussed talking points prepared for Trump for July 25 call in which it was recommended Trump was supposed to talk about corruption. (Reader, he did not use the word corruption on call).

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Lofgren says this demonstrates that these docs will help show Trump was motivated by self interest, not the national interest.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren She says they need documents to understand the extent to which the President's actions deviated from practices

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Lofgren focuses on the need to hear Bolton testify and see the records before he does.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Also, notes that Ambassador to the EU, Gordon Sondland needs to see his own records. Still hasn't seen.

When he said "everyone was in the loop" furthers the need for the emails.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Lofgren says we need efforts of communications with Rudy Guiliani who was acting as the president's personal lawyer. Also Victoria Toensing and Joe Digenova.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Important to see documents related to what the GAO says was an illegal hold on aid (in violation of the Impoundment Control Act).

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Senate needs to see documents reflecting assertions by Trump's aides that aid to Ukraine was in the US national security interest and no reason to hold it up.

"We know these documents exist" she said. At least 20 responsive documents

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren More slides that are relevant to the unlawful hold

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren She shows an excerpt from a Washington Post article to identify documents that Congress and the public have a right to see.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Showing a clip of Dr. Hill's testimony before the House intelligence committee

She said her boss John Bolton told her, go tell the lawyer John Eisenberg, "I am not part of whatever drug deal Mulvaney and Sondland are cooking up."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Lofgren added that they need documents related to concerns that Hill, Vindman, and Morrison raised with the NSC lawyers about the "drug deal."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Why do we need the documents now? See slide below
1. Precedent
2. Resolve privilege and evidentiary issues
3. Affects testimony and document production
4. Ensures genuine, credible trial

Asks her colleagues to support the amendment.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren "This trial and your verdict will be questioned." She said "there's no plausible reason" you would not want to here all of the relevant evidence about the president's conduct.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren "Don't surrender to the president's stonewalling. It will allow the president to be above the law and deprive Americans of the truth" in the process.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren American people "expect a quest for truth, fairness, and justice." "History is watching."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Huh. Cippillone is not here. I wonder if he has something else to do, or if they are taking turns, or if has been called to the bench because of his LYING in front of the Chief Judge.

So we have Patrick Philbin.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Oh, lord. Hold me back. Allow me to find the words and quiet down the screaming in my head.

This Patrick Philbin is the king of chutzpah. And he's ignoring 200 years of history.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Okay. Deep breathing. I am going to just tell you this. I calmed down by googling him.

He went to Yale, graduated my year. 1989. Then Harvard Law. Same. Not sure if we were in the same class though.

Oy. He was part of that whole waterboarding situation.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Here's the wikipedia entry. I will also find the original source

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren He also clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren He's still talking. So, let me share this with you, from future President Warren.

https://twitter.com/ewarren/status/1219707504675811328?s=20

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Philibin thinks we are STUPID. Lofgren said the executive privilege talk was a distraction, because your client, Donald John Trump has not yet asserted executive privilege.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren I really wish Justice Roberts would take a moment at some point to speak out against the outright lie that Pat Cipollone. He should be sanctioned.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren Attorney Philibin just lied in the Senate. The truth (reported by the @washingtonpost), is that the president's lawyer on December 1 said he would not be participating in the House Judiciary Committee hearings where he could have called witnesses.

washingtonpost.com/politics/repub…

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost 💯 In response to the silly taunt by Philibin that the House was not ready.

Adam Schiff: "The House calls John Bolton. The House calls Mick Mulvaney. Let's get this trial started."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost More on Philbin. Sorry misspelled his name.

Hmmm. He claimed it was Pelosi who shut down the House Judiciary hearings on December 2 before president had a chance to participate.

He's either stupid or lying. And I know he's not stupid. So. . .

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost Mitch just made a motion to table the amendment. Now they are voting.

If there are 51 votes, then the amendment to allow for these documents and witnesses will fail, and we wil lhave a kangaroo court. A sham trial.

I coudn't hear how Susan Collins voted

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost 53 - 47. Amendment tabled.

Disgusted. I am disgusted.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost Now, Schumer has another amendment. This is to subpoena records from the State Department.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost This hit me harder than I thought it would.

Every. Single. Republican in the Senate has failed us.
53 people put party over country. Shame on them forever.

Trump collaborators. Disgusting.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost Trying very hard not to cry. Big girl here. Grow up, I tell myself. But then Rosey Grier is singing in my ear from 1972 . . .

google.com/search?q=it%27…

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost Recess. Now we will have a debate on this state department document amendment. We have many amendments ahead.

And all of the Republicans are collaborating and covering up. For Donald John Trump.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost During the recess, Schumer addressed reporters. How is this a trial if we have no witnesses. He did not take questions.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost What @tribelaw said

https://twitter.com/tribelaw/status/1219739910325899266?s=20

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw Still in recess. Meanwhile, I agree with @jonathanalter

https://twitter.com/jonathanalter/status/1219742006790033408?s=20

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter We are back.

So glad to hear @RepValDemings speaking. I need her strength and brilliance right now

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Demings is speaking about both Articles. First, President didn't care about whether an investigation was conducted, just that it was his announced. He did this with corrupt motives.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Ordering every official to defy every subpoena. . "No president in history has done anything like this."

He wasn't hiding evidence of his innocence or to protect the institution of his presidency

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings "As a career law enforcement officer, I have never seen" someone take such "extreme steps" to hide proof of their innocence. He's engaged in this cover up because he is guilty.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings The focus is on the need for the documents from state department officials. She praised the brave officials who testified before the House intel committee even in face of president's taunts.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings The Dems have a good strategy of repeating the core facts of impeachment articles so that regardless of when members of the public tune in, they will hear it.

She is showing graphic of this testimony. How records would shed additional light on corrupt scheme.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Further testimony on this slide

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Now Demings is setting out the types of documentary evidence they want from State. Emails, what's app and other text messaged, diplomatic cables, official notes.

State Dep't unlawfully defied the House subpoena based on President's order.

"This is an affront to the House"

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Also an affront to the Senate and to the Constitution that makes clear that nobody, not even the president is above the law. And, it's an affront to the American people

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Demings is explaining the importance of what's app and text messages. She highlights the "partial" production by Ambassator Volker

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Demings offered more records. As a snippet, we can see how useful it would be to have all the messages.

Now she's going through emails from Sondland.

"Everyone was in the loop. It was no secret. Everyone was informed via email on July 19th."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings The full email chain and other emails during this time period would be highly relevant. State department is hiding them.

Wants Senate to issue a subpoena

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Amazingly, some of the docs have been released due to a FOIA lawsuit (though redacted). And yet still State Dep't refuses to give them to the House.

136/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Shows testimony from Ambassador Taylor. Helps show existence of missing records including a particular diplomatic cable from Taylor.

Use of foreign policy as instrument for personal gain.

Based on cable, Pompeo, Esper and Bolton urged Trump to release aid, but refused

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Demings says we need to see the notes. Shows testimony of Taylor under oath saying he took notes of important conversations. State will not release them.

It goes on an on. Bottom line, these are critical documents that State refused to provide to the House.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Oh, look, it's Cipollone. I hope he corrects his misstatements. Nope. He's not starting out with an apology.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Okay. How STUPID does he think we are.

The McConnell proposed rules for Senate require each witness to be deposed by Senate. So what actual difference does it make that John Bolton did not testify for the House. Even if he had, the Senate would still need to depose him

140/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Sekulow is yelling something Pres said

"I want nothing. I want no quid pro quo."

Ummm. We know that was said AFTER the president was told about the whistleblower. He knew people listened to calls.

Plus Trump lies. Watch what he does, not what he says

141/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Let's review

Trump also said
loved to show taxes -- he didn't
love to talk to Mueller -- he didn't
said never paid porn star -- he did

142/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Something something about "lawyer lawsuits." Sekulow is a confusing mess of a speaker.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Schiff will respond. Said he invited Bolton to testify. "I'm not coming and if you subpoena me, I'll sue you."

Glad I'm not alone. Schiff also said he didn't know what Sekulow meant by "lawyer lawsuits."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Schiff: "That's the defense, that the president denies it?"

Rest of convo. No quid pro quo, except Zelensky needs to go to the mic.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Schiff reminds us of that moment when the Chief of Staff Mulvaney admitted to reporters that yes we held up the aid. Quid pro quo.

Here's that clip

cnn.com/2019/10/17/pol…

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings "We're trying to have a real trial here. It's the president that's trying to rush through this." -- Schiff.

"Whoever that next president is . . .there's going to be a time when this body is going to want to subpoena that president."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings He continues: "Are you prepared" if that "president is going to fight all subpoenas, that they have absolute immunity."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings McConnell made motion to table the amendment to subpoena state department documents. They are voting.

Expecting this one to also fail on a party line vote

149/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings While McConnell thinks this will give cover to senators. However, Schiff made the best of it and got their facts in including audio, video, screenshots and more

150/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Clerk is showing tabulation to Chief Justice Roberts.

53-57

Again. Trump collaborators.

151/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings And now a third amendment from Schumer.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings Someone is reading the full text of the amendment into the record. Good commentary on @MSNBC with @AriMelber, @Lawrence and guests.

Lawrence is right: President's lawyer planned to argue procedure, but Schiff & other House managers used opportunity to get in the evidence

153/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence Okay. Amendment seeks OMB and Department of Defense (DoD) subpoenas

After this debate, McConnell will table it. Then. Thirty-minute recess for dinner.

Up first is Jason Crow (an impeachment manager from Colorado). Says Managers support the amendment

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence Crow: "The President could not carry out this scheme alone." That's how we know so much already, but there's more to find out. That's what trials are for.

He needed to work with OMB to stop the funds

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence Crow said 87 of the senators voted to send the support to Ukraine.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was in the middle of it all. The hold on the $391 million violated the law.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence .@JasonCrowCO6 is doing great, as did Schiff, Lofgren and Demings.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 We know these documents exist, but Trump admin won't turn over the documents to the House even in response to requests and subpoenas.

Show stark examples of "chaos and confusion" in Trump administration.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 Crow showed this image a bit earlier. Shows the need for the OMB and DoD documents

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 Footage playing from Bill Taylor, discussing hold on security assistance to Ukraine. "I and others sat in astonishment." U.S. support was vital to Ukraine.

Bill Taylor under oath: "The directive had come from the President to the chief of staff to the OMB."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 Crow reminds us that 90 minutes after the call between Trump and Zelensky on July 25th, there's an email from Duffey (from OMB) who said to keep holding the aid to Ukraine. House has it b/c of a FOIA request.

See this Just Security article

justsecurity.org/67863/exclusiv…

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 DOD was worried about not spending the money because that would be illegal.

Mark Sandy from OMB testified that this was very unusual.

So, Crow wants memos, email traffic and documentation. Need senate subpoena

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 Crow is right. "The American people deserve answers."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 Insightful. When people in government get worried, "they draft memos." That's why Mark Sandy sent memo asking for release of funds and national security reasons.

Crow said, "but President Trump did not lift the hold."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 "Here's the really shocking part. There was no interagency process. They made it up. It ended months before." No one could say real reason of hold.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 "Who knew what, and when?"

Need OMB documents to shed light on a variety of questions.

"And the American people deserve answers."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 Crow: "Real people's lives are at stake. That's why this matters. . . Eventually, all of this will come out." We will get the answers.

"The question now is whether will have them in time, and who here will be on the right side of history."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 Sekulow is back. He's trying to "defend" by saying aid was delivered on September 11 without Ukraine taking action. (Yet this is a LIE. Some of the aid has not been released).

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 Not: Trump released aid because he got caught. Only then did Zelensky cancel his appearance on CNN. He was ready to be interviewed by @FareedZakaria. Trump demanded Zelensky at the microphone on TV. . . if he was doing it willingly, then why did he cancel the TV hit.

169/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria For receipts:

"it fell apart when the Ukraine scandal began to unfold -- though CNN did not cancel it. . .The Times reported that the decision to unfreeze the aid to Ukraine erased the need for Zelensky's televised appearance.

cnn.com/2019/11/07/pol…

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Crow is very good. Hands balance of his time to Adam Schiff.

He says, "they got the money after the president got caught. But even then . . .it took a subsequent act of congress to make sure it all could go out the door."

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria "What they did was illegal. The GAO independent watchdog agency" said the hold was illegal.

So that's the excuse for not providing documents.

172/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Also when Obama withheld aid to Egypt it was because Congress asked him to hold it back. Egypt was having a revolution. Not done in secret.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Brilliant from Schiff. This was not the first time a president withheld aid. But it was first time he did so to get help from a foreign government to cheat in an election. And hopefully if they do their jobs the last time.

174/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Good for Adam Schiff. He's recalling the moment in the restaurant in Kyiv. Gordon Sondland (gave $1 million to inauguration). Ambassador who calls president on cellphone. Trump speaks so loudly that David Holmes at table can hear. Trump asks will Zelensky help.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Holmes said Sondland said, "Yes, he'll do anything you want, he loves your ass." (Sondland corroborated).

Call ends. Holmes asks Sondland does Trump give an S about Ukraine. And Sondland said no, he only cares about big things. The Bidens.

176/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Holmes responded that the war with Russia was a big thing.

Schiff said this was withholding aid from a country where 15,000 people had died fighting the Russians.

177/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Schiff said this is also about our security. We should not use Ukraine as a play thing or worse to get them to help Trump in an election.

That's the kind of corruption that Putin welcomes in Russia and pushes around the world.

178/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Debate is over. McConnell tabled the amendment seeking budget documents from OMB and DOD.

Vote is happening.

179/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria After the vote there will be a 1/2 dinner break. Or that was what McConnell said earlier.

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@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence @JasonCrowCO6 @FareedZakaria Motion was tabled. Wait, wut? I thought dinner was happening.

But we are continuing.

181/

Oh, yes. Schumer offers now an amendment for a subpoena of Mick Mulvaney.

Now there is a half hour break until 8 PM.

182/

We are back. Impeachment manager @RepJeffries is speaking. What binds us together is "that we believe in the rule of law and a fair trial."

The house managers support this proposed amendment to subpoena the president's chief of staff and Director of the OMB.

183/

@RepJeffries Jeffries: The president director the entire executive branch to defy all requests for their testimony in House. Cannot stand.

Also Mulvaney was involved in every phase. "Mr. Mulvaney was in the loop."

184/

@RepJeffries In the loop throughout all of it.

While the record is enough to find President guilty, it is not complete.

But it's not a fair trial unless witnesses provide relevant information. Everyone including American people deserve a fair trial.

185/

@RepJeffries "Before we discuss Mulvaney's knowledge of the president's geopolitical shakedown . . ."

On point, Rep Jeffries

186/

@RepJeffries At all other impeachment trials there have been witnesses including those that have not testified before the House.

Jeffries displayed a slide with 100 years of precedent showing the number of witnesses at previous impeachment trials.

187/

@RepJeffries Jeffies also shows a slide explaining why Mulvaney's testimony is needed. Also shows the President's Obstruction.

71 requests; 0 documents

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@RepJeffries The President directed 12 key witnesses not to testify. Here's their faces and names.

189/

@RepJeffries It should go without saying that Jeffries is stellar. The voice we need right now in Prime Time.

He's showing witnesses who testified from the Nixon administration. Including @JohnWDean

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@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Walking us through history/ Offered a chart of the three impeachment trials (including this one). Neither Johnson nor Clinton blocked witnesses.

Trump blocked 12 witnesses. Of them 9 were subpoenaed.

191

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Jeffries: Trump is trying to "float above the law and hide the truth from the American people."

192/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Offers us the words from SCT decisions and of our founders.

193/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Justice Story:

194/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean John Quincy Adams:

195/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Presidents blocking witnesses in impeachment proceedings is unprecedented.

196/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Jeffries sent out reasons why Trump wanted to block Mulvaney from testifying

197/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean First reason Muvlaney needs to testify is that he has firsthand knowledge and was "in the loop" at every phase. Serves in president's cabinet and chief of staff.

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@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Second reason the Senate must hear from Mulvaney. He played a "critical role in planning the Ukraine pressure scheme."

199/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Jeffries show Fiona Hill's testimony from the House Intel committee.

"He was being involved in a domestic political errand."

200/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Jeffries reminds us again of what Bolton told Hill. He said this after Sondland told them all that if two phony investigations were announced (about Bidens and election interference) then he would get Zelensky a White House meeting

201/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Hill testimony played, she said that Sondland said in a meeting "if the Ukrainians open up or announce these investigations," he had a deal with Mulvaney to give Zelensky a meeting with Trump in White House.

This upset both Hill and Vindman

202/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean After relying to Bolton what she heard, she said Bolton told her that she had to go to the lawyers to basically say Bolton said "I am not part of this whatever drug deal that Mulvaney and Sondland are cooking up." She took it to me investigations for a meeting.

203/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Now Jeffries is showing more testimony under oath by witnesses at the House Intel committee.

Sondland makes clear Mulvaney was fully informed

204/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Jeffries shares excerpts from emails between Sondland and Mulvaney. Invites additional questions like what was meant by assuring the president that Zelensky is supposed to tell Trump he will "turn over every stone"

205/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Jeffries points out that Mulvaney was on Air Force One with President Trump when Mulvaney sent an email to Robert Blair following up on whether they could hold back the military support for Ukraine.

206/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean On July 18, the hold was announced internally. The officials were "blindsided" by that news.

Plus folks in DoD and others were concerned that this was in violation of law.

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@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Why did budget office to to make up a reason for the hold after it was already being done, Jeffries asked

208/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Mulvaney to reporters "we do that all the time with foreign policy. I have news for you, get over it."

He said "look back to what happen in 2016"

Showed video. Found it here. Not sure if this is the whole clip though

mediaite.com/news/trump-chi…

209/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean But Mulvaney tried to walk back those statements. So Jeffries says we need to hear from him directly so he can clarify his intentions.

210/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Pausing for a moment again to say. Thank you Adam Schiff and team. Mitch doesn't want a trial. Well we will bring in our evidence right now at the beginning during this debate on the rules.

211/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean It will not persuade the Republicans, but this is for the public. We need to see this.

And still hoping and praying that the Senate will vote to hear from witnesses. If not now, then after opening arguments and questions next week

212/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Missed this earlier. Here's the 3rd reason that Mulvaney is a critical witness

213/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Jeffries now explains why there is no legal justification for blocking witnesses like Mulvaney.

(1) Never invoked executive privilege
(2) No legal justification
(3) No such thing as "executive branch confidentiality interests
(4) "Absolute immunity" has been rejected

214/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Yep. Here's the video clip of President Trump saying he would love to have his senior aides including Mick Mulvaney testify

215/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean There was some exchange of words between the Chief Justice and some one. I could not quite hear.

Now another one of the White House lawyers. Mike Purpura is speaking. He has slicked back hair. He's the dude who sent letter to Fiona Hill not to testify.

216/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Now we have resting indignant voice, Pat Cipollone.

Still waiting for him to apologize for lying.

217/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Would you buy a used car from this guy?
Would you trust this guy to be your investment advisor?

Slick phony vibe from him and the last dude who spoke.

Cannot wait until these crooks are out of the White House.

218/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean Jeffries.

A refrain of "We are here, sir . . . to follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution and present the truth to the American people"

Must watch

"That is why we're here Mr. Sekulow. And if you don't know now you know." 🎶 (Ht @Lin_Manuel)

219/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel Schiff discussing content of the July 25 all.

Purpura claims Ukranians didn't learn until a month later about the hold.

But, Schiff says, "Mr. Purpura needs to be more careful with his facts." Another lying lawyer for Trump

Remember Laura Cooper said they knew that day

220/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel Schiff also challenges Purpura's claim that Zelensky was not pressured. How in the world could he contradict the President of the United States on an issue he's being impeached for.

It would hurt his country to tell the truth. Trump is vindictive.

221/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel "A vote to delay is a vote to deny."

"Their whole goal is that you'll never get to that point."

222/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel McConnell made a motion to table. Seconded. Now there's a vote.

223/

@CNN @clairecmc @MSNBC @RepZoeLofgren @washingtonpost @tribelaw @jonathanalter @RepValDemings @AriMelber @Lawrence Correction. Seems like it was just OMB then

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel The motion to table passed 53-47.

Now McConnell wants to consolidate votes. And allow one hour for each side to argue all of them. This is called "stacking the vote."

Schumer does not want to rush through them

224/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel This a brief break.

What's really going on is that McConnell wants to stop this because the Democrats are killing it

225/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel Nice commentary on @maddow. Senator @clairecmc is pointing out what is happening on the senate floor between the floor managers, trying to negotiate how to move forward.

226/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc We are back with another amendment from Schumer seeking documents from DoD officials related to the holding up of the funding among other topics

227/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Now the debate begins. We have Rep. Crow.

He begins with a response to the how late it's getting here in DC.

Says there are over 60,000 US troops in Europe where it's the middle of the night. And Ukrainian soldiers in trenches "facing off against Russian tanks."

228/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Crow says House managers support this amendment to obtain documents from DoD. $250 million (of the total $391 million) was managed by DoD. Equipment was to be purchased almost exclusively from US businesses.

230/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Crow said counsel for the president failed to admit that all of the aid did NOT make it there. Not all of the money has made it's way to the battlefield.

231/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc We need DoD documents because they were concerned that it was violation of law to hold the aid. Key documents there. It's time to subpoena those documents, he said.

232/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Crow showed a slide listing benefits of DOD documents

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@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc We need to see emails from Laura Cooper. When she testified she referenced them. They showed that DoD supported releasing the aid.

234/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Documents would show how DoD officials reacted to the hold by OMB on the $250 million. Wonders whether DoD heard from corporations lined up to provide equipment. Did anyone email how this would affect American jobs

235/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Elaine Cusker's documents are illuminating. We first saw them through FOIA request delivered to a media organization. But Crow notes that we saw some of these emails in full due to press reports.

Here's a place to look. justsecurity.org/67863/exclusiv…

236/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc What else has been hidden from the American people he asks.

"The American people deserve answers."

Record from the House makes clear that president withheld aid unlawfully to get help in election.

These documents from DoD would shed further light

237/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Crow, "this is a national disgrace. Only the people in this room can fix it. It's time to issue the subpoenas."

238/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Now we have Patrick Philbin up there whining for the president.

Who is he calling a pig in a poke? If I were Trump I would be worried.

239/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Also, this dude is bullshitting you. He went to Yale and to Harvard. He did not put off making decisions for a week at the last minute. This is a guy who plans ahead. Don't be fooled by him.

240/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Also Philbin got the pig in a poke expression ENTIRELY wrong.

See: "A pig in a poke is an offer or deal that is foolishly accepted without being examined first."

We want to examine this deal

phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-pig…

241/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Jason Crow is back. A crow is not a pig, poke or otherwise. (Sorry, it's been eight hours and the mom jokes might emerge).

242/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Schiff said the Republicans are argued that the House subpoenas are invalid.

The arguments they are making are nonsense. A court in the McGahn case said it's not up to President to decide. The House is given the sole power of impeachment, not the President

243/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Schiff tells Senators, they don't want you to know what documents we seek. So, the president's attorneys want to keep it abstract. This is why Schiff is being specific.

Redacted (FOIA) and non-reducted (reported) emails between DoD and OMD show that there was coverup.

244/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc I am getting a Jimmy Stewart (in Mr. Smith goes to Washington) vibe from Adam Schiff.

Where is Frank Capra? We really need one of his movie endings.

245/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Voting now

246/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc This too

https://twitter.com/waywayhwhwdwdn/status/1219823397997334529?s=20

247/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Another 53 - 47 vote

248/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Here we go. Another amendment from Schumer, now wants to issue a subpoena from Michael Duffey and Robert Blair.

Sylvia Garcia will begin for the House Managers.

250/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Garcia begins by saying this is not that complicated. The American people know what a trial is. It's about both sides having an opportunity to be heard. Witnesses. Documents.

251/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Strongly supports subpoena of Blair and Duffey, the two officials who carried out the President's orders to freeze aid to Ukraine.

Blair works for Mick Mulvaney
Duffey works as political appointee at omB

252/

@RepJeffries @JohnWDean @Lin_Manuel @maddow @clairecmc Okay, I'm calling it a night. I have to teach tomorrow, but will tweet the Senate debate and trial before and after classes.

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