Senate Business Halts During Impeachment Trial

Last Thursday, all Senators were officially sworn in for the impeachment trial of President Trump. The trial began on Tuesday with work to establish procedural ground rules.

All Senators will be expected to be seated in their chairs on the Senate floor throughout the proceedings, without cell phones or other devices, significantly hampering regular business. During trial hours, Members may not hold hearings, conduct constituent meetings, or lead other business. Each Senator is given discretion to decide the degree to which their office can carry out legislative and constituency work, but most offices are expected to allow legislative staff to proceed with business.

The length of the trial remains unclear, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been clear that he wants the trial to be swift.