Former National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday that he will testify in the Senate’s impeachment trial if he is subpoenaed.
Bolton said in a statement posted to the John Bolton PAC, “if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify.”
I have posted a brief statement regarding testimony on the Ukraine impeachment matter before the Senate at: https://t.co/Q3TwI2BzBp
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 6, 2020
Bolton explained that he has attempted to meet his “obligations both as a citizen and as former National Security Advisor” and came to his conclusion after “careful consideration and study.”
He is one of the witnesses that Democrats have expressed interest in hearing from, though House Democrats did not issue a subpoena for his testimony after the subpoena they issued to Bolton’s former colleague, Dr. Charles Kupperman, was challenged in court.
After the two impeachment articles passed the House of Representatives, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is holding the articles from the Senate, while arguing for a fair Senate trial that includes more witnesses.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted on Friday that the Senate is at a standstill until Pelosi releases the articles.
We can’t hold a trial without the articles. The Senate’s own rules don’t provide for that. So, for now, we are content to continue the ordinary business of the Senate while House Democrats continue to flounder. For now.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) January 3, 2020
“We can’t hold a trial without the articles. The Senate’s own rules don’t provide for that. So, for now, we are content to continue the ordinary business of the Senate while House Democrats continue to flounder. For now,” McConnell said.
On Friday, Pelosi accused McConnell of complying with Trump and interfering with a fair trial.
“The GOP Senate must immediately proceed in a manner worthy of the Constitution and in light of the gravity of the President’s unprecedented abuses,” Pelosi said in a statement.
