Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is planning to force a vote on Friday to require Chief Justice John Roberts to subpoena impeachment witnesses who he believes are relevant and also rule on any claims of executive privilege.
The move comes as GOP senators are increasingly confident they will have the votes to block witnesses from being called.
If Democrats are able to muster four GOP votes to allow witnesses, both sides could then make motions for specific individuals and documents. Under the rules resolution, the Senate would vote on the motions.
But Van Hollen’s effort would let Roberts issue subpoenas if he thinks a motion is relevant. The Senate, if it disagreed with his decision, could still overrule him with a simple majority.
“A fair trial includes relevant documents and witnesses. And in a fair trial the judge determines what evidence is admitted,” Van Hollen said in a statement. “My motion ensures the Chief Justice will serve the same role as a judge in any trial across our country – to allow the Senate access to the facts they need to get to the truth.”
The motion, according to text from Van Hollen’s office, would require Roberts to issue subpoenas for witnesses or documents requested by either side if he “deems them likely to have probative evidence relevant to either article of impeachment.”
Van Hollen would also require Roberts to referee any claims of executive privilege.
……….
- Discussion
-
JUST IN: Dem senator to force vote requiring Chief Justice Roberts to weigh in on witnesses in Trump impeachment trial https://t.co/wAQhHneh2q pic.twitter.com/BGiO0fYLqW
— The Hill (@thehill) January 30, 2020
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.