WASHINGTON (AP) Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran has joined other Republicans in cosponsoring a resolution that would allow senators to dismiss the Houses articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
Moran announced Monday that he is cosponsoring the resolution with Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley. Fifteen other Republicans also are cosponsors, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The resolution is Hawleys response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosis delay in sending the two impeachment articles to the Senate for a trial after the House approved them last month.
Pelosi sought to pressure senators into calling witnesses but plans to send the articles in coming days.
Hawley proposes to allow the Senate to dismiss impeachment articles if the House doesnt send them over within 25 days of its approval.
In a statement, Moran said Pelosi had used the articles for political gain.
Our Constitution guarantees a fair and speedy trial to defendants, and Congress must provide these same guarantees to public officials facing impeachment, Moran said.
One article charges Trump with abusing power by pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden and holding back U.S. military funds to the country as leverage. The second charges him with obstructing Congress by blocking witnesses and testimony in the House probe.
