Senators to pose questions of House prosecutors and President Trump’s defense team
WASHINGTON – After six days of arguments from House Democrats prosecuting President Donald Trump in the Senate trial and the president’s defense team, senators begin up to 16 hours of questions for both sides on Wednesday.
Senators must submit the questions in writing, which Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding at the trial.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the questions will alternate between Republicans and Democrats in eight-hour sessions beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
Senators said party leaders would review the questions to avoid repetition and offer some order to the proceeding. Roberts suggested that the House managers and the president’s lawyers try to answer each question within five minutes, although that isn’t a firm rule.
The opportunity for questions follows opening arguments, which granted each side up to 24 hours spread over three days to explain their positions. The seven House managers used nearly 22 hours of their time, according to C-Span, which broadcast the trial. Trump’s team finished in less than 12 hours, according to C-Span.
House Democrats accused Trump of abuse of power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, while withholding $391 million in military aid. The House also accused Trump of obstruction of Congress for directing his administration to defy subpoenas from the inquiry.
