(Washington D.C.) -- As it appeared the U.S. Senate was moving toward a final vote in the impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump, instead Senators moved to hear witnesses, and extend the trial.
Not long before the call for witnesses was approved, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell announced he would vote to acquit.
Then, five Republicans joined Democrats to approve, by a 55-45 vote, the motion to subpoena documents and witnesses.
Conviction takes a two-thirds majority. 17 Republicans would have to vote with all Democrats to convict former President Trump of the single article of impeachment, accusing Trump of inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on the day the Electoral Votes were set to be confirmed in Congress.
It is not clear how much longer the impeachment trial will now continue, there is reportedly some discussion about an agreement to include a statement in the record, and then take a final vote. The trial began Tuesday February 9.
We will post additional information as it becomes available.