display
The Republicans in the US Senate want to delay the beginning of the impeachment negotiations against former President Donald Trump until around mid-February.
With the additional lead time it can be ensured that all parties have enough time to prepare for the trial, said Republican minority leader Senator Mitch McConnell on Thursday evening (local time).
He made this proposal to his Democratic colleague Chuck Schumer, he said.
Senate Democrats must approve the schedule.
You want to use the process, among other things, to achieve a lifelong suspension of office for Trump.
They hold the Republican responsible for his supporters' attack on the US Capitol in early January.
Time until February 13th
McConnell has now proposed that the House of Representatives should not formally forward his charges against Trump for "inciting riot" to the Senate on January 28th.
Then both parties would have a good two weeks until February 13 to submit their respective documents, McConnell said.
After that, the actual Senate hearing, which is similar to a trial in court, could begin.
display
A slower start to the Senate process could also accommodate the new president, Democrat Joe Biden.
For his cabinet and other top personalities he is dependent on the approval of the Senate.
If the Senate were primarily concerned with impeachment, that could make the start of Biden's government more difficult.