Republicans are increasingly optimistic they will be able to end President Trump’s impeachment trial without hearing from additional witnesses, such as former national security advisor John Bolton. On Thursday, questions went back and forth between Republicans and Democrats, read aloud by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. For much of the week the question has lingered: Will four Republicans join Democrats to vote in favor of subpoenaing witnesses? Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a third potential vote for witnesses, and a handful of others have remained coy about their positions. If the Senate chooses to not hear from witnesses, it will be the first time a presidential impeachment trial does not include witnesses.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 30, 2020 18:04 UTC