Mitch McConnell: Senate rules leave ‘no choice’ but to take up impeachment if articles pass House

Make sure to let us know what you think... we now have comments turned ON below the article!

With the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives rushing headlong toward impeachment of President Donald Trump, there has been plenty of speculation about how such an effort would fare in the Republican-controlled Senate, or if that body would in fact hold a trial at all.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell just put some of those questions to rest, however, by stating that Senate rules would leave him “no choice” but to take up articles of impeachment should they pass the House.

“I would have no choice but to take it up”

The Kentucky Republican’s commentary came during an interview Monday on CNBC in which he was asked about reports suggesting that there was nothing in the Constitution or statutory law that required the Senate to hold a trial if the House were to pass articles of impeachment.

McConnell had previously said earlier in the year that he would have “no choice” other than to take up impeachment and explained to the CNBC host that Senate rules — which would need to a two-thirds majority to be changed — required it.

“So I would have no choice but to take it up,” McConnell said of potential articles of impeachment.

“How long you are on it is a whole different matter, but I would have no choice but to take it up, based on a Senate rule on impeachment,” he clarified, suggesting that even if impeachment was taken up, it could be dropped and put to rest fairly quickly.

Trade issues also loom large

The interview momentarily shifted toward the topic of trade — particularly President Trump’s ongoing trade and tariff war with China, as well as the United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) on trade that is awaiting a vote in the House.

McConnell expressed his desire to see a “resolution reached soon” on the trade war with China, given the negative impact it was having on agriculture and rural areas, though he also expressed his support for Trump’s ultimate goal to achieve a level trading field with the rival nation.

He also said the USMCA was a “big deal” that was needed just as much as a resolution to the trade war with China.

Senate rules won’t be changed

The conversation shifted back to impeachment as another co-host asked if McConnell would seek to change the rules in the Senate that required articles of impeachment to be considered.

“No, the Senate impeachment rules are very clear,” McConnell replied. “The Senate would have to take up a resolution if it came over from the House.”

The Senate Majority Leader just made it absolutely clear that, should the House pass articles of impeachment against President Trump, the Senate will indeed consider them as required by its own rules. As he noted himself, though, that is a far cry from actually holding a full-fledged trial, much less convicting and removing the president, so Democrats and the media may want to hold off on popping celebratory champagne bottles just yet.

524 Responses

  1. Whats Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & aid different customers like its helped me. Great job.

  2. Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited this site before but after looking at some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

  3. Hey are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need any html coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  4. Ive read some good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you set to make this sort of magnificent informative site.

  5. I was very happy to seek out this internet-site.I needed to thanks in your time for this glorious learn!! I definitely having fun with every little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.

  6. Hi there! This article couldn’t be written any better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this article to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!

  7. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal blog now 😉

  8. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  9. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. Ill be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. Ill certainly comeback.

  10. Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, amazing blog!

  11. Howdy! This article could not be written much better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a great read. Thank you for sharing!

  12. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your site in internet explorer, would check this IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your wonderful writing because of this problem.

  13. I blog often and I really appreciate your information. The article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.

  14. Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

  15. I do agree with all of the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  16. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always helpful to read articles from other writers and practice a little something from their web sites.

  17. Ive been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i am happy to express that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much surely will make certain to do not disregard this web site and provides it a glance on a constant basis.

  18. Good site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Popular