General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsStupid Question: Is the reason the Senate wouldn't begin an Impeachment until the 19th
due to actual logical or procedural reason or just Mitch being Mitch?
relayerbob
(6,558 posts)They won't get that, and he knows it.
And it's an excellent question
Eyeball_Kid
(7,434 posts)The nation is hanging over the abyss and Mitch is concerned about... RECESS???
Is this crazy?
Mitch should call for a vote, and remind people what the issue is and what it isn't. Then let the GOPers go on the record.
Mitch can also cancel the recess!
Mitch is a coward.
Silent3
(15,281 posts)I'd think their must be rules for emergency situations (and this is definitely that) which could be invoked if McConnell were serious about this and not fucking around.
mitch96
(13,926 posts)StarfishSaver
(18,486 posts)pat_k
(9,313 posts)prevent him from running again.
Warnock and Ossoff should be sworn by Jan 23. (Certification deadline is 1/22.) I doubt the Senate trial will get going until they are sworn and Dem majority leader is selected and new rules for running things are in place.
Since he will already be out of office, it's my understanding that the following would be the consequences of Senate conviction:
Loss of benefits under the Former Presidents Act (pension, staff and office expenses, medical care or health insurance, and Secret Service protection)
Disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States. (i.e., couldn't run again)
former9thward
(32,082 posts)The Senate decides what, if any, penalty there is.
pat_k
(9,313 posts)former9thward
(32,082 posts)Per Senate rules to reconvene there would have to be a unanimous vote before the 19th.
relayerbob
(6,558 posts)Sad as it seems, the rule of law means we must follow rules.
In any case, it's unlikely the House will have the Articles of Impeachment over to them before Jan 18.
Kablooie
(18,641 posts)It would still take 17 Republicans to vote to convict and there would probably be a legal complaint from Trump that he couldn't be impeached after he left office which would have to be decided by SCOTUS.
pat_k
(9,313 posts)I think the Senate has the power to decide whether to hold a trial on the articles, and how to conduct it. Within the bounds of the constitution, the Senate sets up the rules under which it runs itself.
Removal from office isn't the only consequence, so a trial held after he is gone is not "moot." It is my understanding that, if they choose to, they could:
Take away his benefits under the Former Presidents Act (pension, staff and office expenses, medical care or health insurance, and Secret Service protection)
Disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States. (i.e., couldn't run again)
(As another poster pointed out to me, these punishments are at the discretion of the Senate. I was under the misapprehension that they were automatic with conviction.)
Warnock and Ossoff should be sworn by 1/23 (deadline for certification is 1/22). It will take them a bit to get themselves set up with new leader and any changes to the rules of the Senate, so I don't expect to see a trial earlier than the last week of Jan.