[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 27, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              IMPEACHMENT

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, now on impeachment, finally, I want to 
address the vote the Senate took yesterday on the point of order raised 
by the junior Senator from Kentucky. I regret to say, for 45 Republican 
Senators to vote for a spurious constitutional objection to the coming 
impeachment trial was deeply, deeply irresponsible.
  The trial is still 2 weeks away. The constitutional objection has 
been completely debunked by more than 150 constitutional scholars 
representing the entire breadth of the political spectrum, including 
very prominent conservatives. But only five Republican Senators were 
willing to take a principled stand against this reckless and ill-
advised effort by Members of this body who are eager to excuse 
President Trump's campaign to overturn the election and, apparently, to 
excuse his incitement of the mob that every one of us experienced in 
this Capitol.
  I would simply say to all of my colleagues: Make no mistake. There 
will be a trial, and the evidence against the former President will be 
presented in living color for the Nation and every one of us to see 
once again. No one will be able to avert their gaze from what Mr. Trump 
said and did and the consequences of his actions. We will all watch 
what happened. We will listen to what happened, and then we will vote. 
We will pass judgment, as our solemn duty under the Constitution 
demands, and, in turn, we will all be judged on how we respond.
  I am glad to see my colleague from Vermont here, as well as my 
colleague from Illinois.
  Mr. LEAHY. I thank the distinguished leader.
  Mr. SCHUMER. I yield the floor

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