The Senate is debating whether or not to call additional witnesses to testify in the impeachment trial, and it appears the Republicans have enough votes to block Democrats' attempts to hear new testimony. While the vote could go either way, with a few Republicans sitting on the fence, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander said he would be voting against calling new witnesses.
"I worked with other senators to make sure that we have the right to ask for more documents and witnesses, but there is no need for more evidence to prove something that has already been proven, and that does not meet the U.S. Constitution's high bar for an impeachable offense," he wrote on Twitter.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who was on the fence, announced that she will be voting against new witnesses.
“It has also become clear some of my colleagues intend to further politicize this process, and drag the Supreme Court into the fray, while attacking the Chief Justice. I will not stand for nor support that effort. We have already degraded this institution for partisan political benefit, and I will not enable those who wish to pull down another. We are sadly at a low point of division in this country.”
The Senate will hold a four debate, with each side getting two hours to make their case.
The Democrats need four Republicans to buck the party line and vote to call witnesses, including President Donald Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Utah Senator Mitt Romney have both said they will vote in favor of calling additional witnesses.
New witnesses could cause a delay in the trial. President Trump has indicated that he will fight attempts to subpoena Bolton, which could set up a lengthy court battle over executive privilege.
If the Senate votes against calling new witnesses, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could call a vote to end the trial and acquit President Trump.
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