HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Friday he hopes his Republican Senate colleagues will “share the sense of solemnity” about the presidential impeachment proceedings and agree witnesses and documents are needed to show the “truth” about President Donald Trump’s actions during the Senate trial.
The Democrat said he hopes the GOP will agree to the Democrats’ request for four witnesses, including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security adviser John Bolton.
“They are eyes and ears on the president. These witnesses have direct, firsthand knowledge. They should appear so that the American people can see all of the truth,” said Blumenthal, at a Hartford event.
Blumenthal said newly revealed documents are also important for senators to consider.
Democrats plan to make the push for Senate votes on witnesses on Tuesday.
It’s unclear whether the effort will prevail and witnesses will be called during the Senate proceedings. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has expressed skepticism about witnesses, as well as a desire to avoid a prolonged trial, but hasn’t ruled them out. McConnell also said in December he would work closely with the White House lawyers during the trial, which Blumenthal said was akin to a “cover-up.”
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