12:54 p.m. ET, January 7, 2020
Romney says he backs plan to deal with witnesses after impeachment trial starts
From CNN's Phil Mattingly and Manu Raju
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney said he backs Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s proposal to move forward with the impeachment trial and deal with witnesses later in the process.
“I’m comfortable with that,” Romney said.
He reiterated he wants witnesses to testify but said it can be dealt with later in the trial.
“Certainly I’d like to see a process that allows for us to call witnesses,” Romney said.
Asked if he has any concerns with McConnell coordinating with the White House on the impeachment trial, Romney said, “I’m sure the leader will provide impartial justice.”
More on this: McConnell has been ready to move forward with the plan without any Democratic support. Romney’s backing makes it likely all 53 Republican senators will support that effort.
CNN has previously reported that Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, two moderate Republicans, also support McConnell’s plan.
Two sources say McConnell and his deputies will move to lock in the whip count during a closed-door policy GOP policy lunch today in preparation for whenever the articles are transmitted to the Senate.
At this point no final decisions have been made, but as has been clear for weeks, the impasse between McConnell and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer over witnesses appears as intractable as ever.