Multiple GOP sources tell CBS News Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to present a proposal to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to delay the start of the impeachment trial of former President Trump until February.
This would give impeachment managers and Mr. Trump’s defense at least a week to prepare. McConnell floated the proposal to GOP senators on a caucus conference call Thursday.
It’s not yet clear what date in February McConnell is proposing. He had already said he would not take up a trial immediately after the House impeached Mr. Trump, and Democrats now control the Senate. The House has yet to send the single article of impeachment for incitement of insurrection to the Senate.
The House impeached Mr. Trump last week, on January 13, with 10 Republicans joining Democrats.
Senators are currently scheduled to be working from their districts during the week of February 15 for Presidents’ Day, potentially complicating the timeline.
McConnell has not said publicly whether he supports or opposes impeachment, although he has said that the mob that attacked the Capitol was “provoked by the president.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
