The Senate will receive the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump at 12 p.m. ET. The seven managers from the House will officially deliver the papers. This marks the official start of the trial.
At 2 p.m. ET, the Senate will swear in Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and the Senators who will serve as jurors in the impeachment trial.
The seven managers marched to the Senate led by House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving.
“Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye: all persons are commanded to keep silent on pain of imprisonment, while the House of Representatives is exhibiting to the Senate of the United States articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, president,” Irving told the Senate.
Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff read the articles of impeachment in front of the Senate.
When Schiff finished, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told the chamber they will swear in Supreme Court Justice John Roberts at 2 p.m. ET.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi gleefully signed the articles of impeachment on Wednesday evening. She used pens literally served on a silver platter to write each letter of her name. She then handed out the pends to those around her. Afterward, she took pictures with the recipients with broad and happy smiles.
McConnell told the chamber what to expect:
McConnell provided the deadlines for briefs that can be filed on behalf of the President and House.
- Jan. 18 by 5 p.m. ET: The House of Representatives can file a trial brief with the secretary of the Senate before this date and time.
- Jan. 20 by noon: Deadline for when the President can file a trial brief.
- Jan. 21 by noon: Deadline for the House to file a rebuttal brief.
“I ask unanimous consent that in recognition of the unique requirements raised by the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, President of the United States, the sergeant of arms shall install appropriate equipment and furniture in the Senate chamber during all times that the senate is sitting for trial with the chief justice of the United States presiding,” McConnell said.
The Senate has adjourned until 1 p.m. ET Tuesday, when the formal trial will begin.
[Featured image via YouTube]
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY