1. Impeachment Rules: I think @HouseDemocrats can file motion to seek a ruling that Bolton's testimony would be permitted and not covered by Executive Privilege. Just seek a ruling from the CJ. Make the GOP block that on the floor.
2. The organizing resolution delayed motions to issue subpoenas. IMO to even debate that issue they need a ruling on the White House ability to block Bolton's testimony on Executive Privilege. I believe Roberts will rule that it's not covered.
3. He might try to dodge ruling but the case law is clear. The rules passed in 1986 give McConnell and Roberts separate powers defining them as follows:
Presiding officer of the Senate
Presiding Officer of the Trial
Presiding officer of the Senate
Presiding Officer of the Trial
4. And "the Presiding Officer on the trial may rule on all questions of evidence . . ." "unless some Member of the Senate shall ask for a formal vote. . ."
Force that vote. They can't debate it. Some member can circumvent by submitting the question for a vote under Senate rules.
Force that vote. They can't debate it. Some member can circumvent by submitting the question for a vote under Senate rules.
5. So a member of the @SenateDems could move for the ruling. That would cut off the, "It will take weeks to litigate" argument. Roberts should rule. If he doesn't, history will not be kind to him.
