We are sorry, you need to be a subscriber to watch this videoWe are sorry, you need to be a subscriber to watch this videoThe Republican leader of the Senate has relaxed the timetable for the president’s impeachment trial as tempers flared towards the end of a marathon first day of hearings. Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, faced with unexpected dissent from the Republican ranks in the house where the party holds a 53-47 majority, allowed both sides more time to present their cases. He had initially set out two 12-hour sessions for opening exchanges for the prosecution and defence. Moreover Mr McConnell said evidence gathered in the house impeachment inquiry would automatically be entered into the Senate record, reversing his earlier stance. Democrats backed the rule changes despite earlier unsuccessfully proposed amendments for subpoenas to be issued for witnesses and…

Source: The Times January 22, 2020 00:00 UTC