As calls for President Trump's impeachment ramp up, timing constraints indicate it's unlikely to succeed before the end of his term. Although the Senate will hold two pro forma sessions 1/12 and 1/15, it is barred from doing any business on those days without ...
...unanimous consent of all 100 senators. And as some GOP senators have pushed back against impeachment, saying it would further divide the country, such an effort would likely be pushed to the first days of Biden's presidency, even if the House moves soon.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell outlined the procedure to his GOP colleagues in a memo obtained by Fox - assuming that unanimous consent is not given. He says the following would take place when the Senate resumes regular session 1/19.
On 1/19 - The Senate would receive message from the House that the House appointed managers for Impeachment. Ordinarily, the Chief Justice would preside over the trial for a sitting president, but if POTUS is out of office 1/20, its unclear whether the Chief Justice would preside
On 1/19 or 1/20 - the rules provide that House managers exhibit the articles the day AFTER the Senate informs the House that they are prepared to receive the managers, but the Senate may order they happen on the same day.
1/20 or 1/21 - the House managers would exhibit the articles before the Senate at 1pm, and the Senate MUST proceed to consideration - trial beginning therefore after Trump's term expires (either one hour after expiration 1/20, or 25 hours after on 1/21)
After 1/20 or 1/21 - the rules state that once trial begins, and unless the Senate orders otherwise, the Senate must continue in session from day to day (except Sundays) until a final judgment is rendered.
If convicted, the Senate could vote to bar Trump from holding office again.
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