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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Wandering Senators: Are Lawmakers Allowed To Roam About During Trial?
By Kate Riga
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January 23, 2020 1:06 p.m.
Reporters present at the impeachment trial in the Senate have noticed a whole host of lawmakers wandering in and out of the chamber during the lengthy days, which earlier this week stretched on until 2 a.m. ET.
A tally from freelance reporter Michael McAuliff during Wednesdays proceeding:
Michael McAuliff
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@mmcauliff
Just counted 21 empty seats on the GOP side of the Senate, 2 on the Dem side, a couple hours into Schiff's presentation. Some are just stretching their legs, but most are not in the chamber. Some of them have been out of there for a while.
The observations raise two issues: one of legality and one of optics.
Is It Allowed?
Nothing in the official Senate impeachment rules forbids it. The rules, dating from March 2, 1868, make little mention of the chamber at all, except to determine that the doors to the Senate should be left open, unless the members are in deliberations.
Senate leaders Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) circulated their own guidance ahead of the trial, where they made passing mention of the attendance expectations.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/senators-impeachment-trial-chamber
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Meanwhile, some of those who may have the most to lose by being sequestered stayed securely in place for the duration on Wednesday. According to CNN, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), both running for President, stayed in the chamber for the entirety of the proceedings. They were reportedly joined by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME), two of the most scrutinized lawmakers due to their past willingness to vote with Democrats.
sandensea
(21,664 posts)Wonder why...
2naSalit
(86,776 posts)and don't forget that ALL the Rs SIGNED Lindsey's resolution to not be fair jurors.
Dirty Socialist
(3,252 posts)I went to the Ohio State capitol building in 1981 and saw a Democratic rep. argue passionately for not cutting funding for the mentally handicapped. The Republicans were milling around conductiong business and socializing, anything but listening to the speaker. NO RESPECT. It has been going on for quite a while.
Runningdawg
(4,522 posts)What happened to the people who refused subpoenas?
What happened to the GOP who broke into the House hearing on Impeachment?