In a blow to Democrats, senators voted by 51 to 49 to block testimony from witnesses on Friday, after only two Republicans broke with their party and crossed the aisle. The 100-member body will reconvene at 11am on Monday to hear closing arguments in Mr Trump’s impeachment trial from both sides. Further speeches are scheduled on Tuesday with a vote on whether to remove Mr Trump from office due on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Trump is due to deliver his annual speech outlining policy priorities to both Houses of Congress on Tuesday night – the eve of the final vote. Despite the strong wall of support from Republicans for Mr Trump, several prominent members suggested that Mr Trump’s behaviour over Ukraine was unacceptable though not impeachable.

Source: The Irish Times February 02, 2020 20:15 UTC