McConnell proposes swift impeachment trial with long days

(AP) On the eve of President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, the Senate leader proposed a compressed calendar for opening statements, White House lawyers argued for a swift acquittal and the Capitol braced for the contentious proceedings to unfold.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday put forth a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening statements. It will be one of the first orders of business when senators convene Tuesday. It delays votes on witnesses until later, rather than up front.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the proposed rules package “a national disgrace.”