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. You made some good points there. I looked on the internet to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

  2. After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!

  3. obviously like your web-site but you need to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to tell the truth however I will certainly come back again.

  4. I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  5. Hey there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Thank you, I appreciate it!

  6. Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  7. Excellent blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused .. Any suggestions? Thanks!

  8. My partner and I stumbled over here different web page and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking into your web page again.

  9. My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome web site!

  10. May I just say what a comfort to find someone that genuinely understands what they’re discussing on the internet. You actually know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular given that you surely possess the gift.

  11. I blog frequently and I really thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  12. I am extremely impressed with your writing talents and also with the structure for your weblog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it your self? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a great blog like this one nowadays..

  13. I’m pretty pleased to discover this great site. I want to to thank you for your time for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to look at new things in your site.

  14. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be exciting to read through content from other writers and use something from their websites.

  15. Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a great article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get anything done.

  16. Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

  17. This is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate info… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!

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