Sens. Lisa Murkowski
Lisa Ann MurkowskiBlumenthal to introduce legislation to limit Trump's power under Insurrection Act Calls for police reform sparks divisions in Congress GOP senators dodge on treatment of White House protesters MORE (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins
Susan Margaret CollinsClyburn: Cowed GOP ascribes 'mystical powers' to Trump Trump pushes back against GOP senators' criticism of dispersal of protesters in Lafayette Square: 'You got it wrong' Trump, Biden battle to shape opinion on scenes of unrest MORE (R-Maine) said on Monday that they will not sign on to a GOP resolution condemning the House impeachment inquiry. Collins separately told Politico that she doesn't plan to co-sponsor the resolution, though she added that she hasn't decided how she would vote if the resolution comes up on the Senate floor.
Lisa Ann MurkowskiBlumenthal to introduce legislation to limit Trump's power under Insurrection Act Calls for police reform sparks divisions in Congress GOP senators dodge on treatment of White House protesters MORE (R-Alaska) and Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsClyburn: Cowed GOP ascribes 'mystical powers' to Trump Trump pushes back against GOP senators' criticism of dispersal of protesters in Lafayette Square: 'You got it wrong' Trump, Biden battle to shape opinion on scenes of unrest MORE (R-Maine) said on Monday that they will not sign on to a GOP resolution condemning the House impeachment inquiry. Collins and Murkowski are two of the three GOP senators who have not yet co-sponsored the resolution, which was spearheaded by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Olin GrahamHouse Judiciary Committee to hold hearing on police brutality next week McCabe, Rosenstein spar over Russia probe Rosenstein takes fire from Republicans in heated testimony MORE (R-S.C.).
Lindsey Olin GrahamHouse Judiciary Committee to hold hearing on police brutality next week McCabe, Rosenstein spar over Russia probe Rosenstein takes fire from Republicans in heated testimony MORE (R-S.C.). ADVERTISEMENT
“From the get go, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have handled this impeachment inquiry poorly, from closed-door hearings and leaked information to the outright abandonment of decades of established precedent on due process for the accused. A serious lack of transparency will hardly build public trust or credibility for the House’s actions," Murkowski said in a statement.
But she added that, "as awful as their process is, the formal impeachment inquiry lies in the House, and it’s not the Senate’s role to dictate to the House how to determine their own rules.”
A spokeswoman for Collins didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about her position.
The resolution, introduced by Graham on Thursday, formally opposes the impeachment inquiry and urges House Democrats to hold an official vote on it.
Donald John TrumpFormer employees critique EPA under Trump in new report Fired State Department watchdog says Pompeo aide attempted to 'bully' him over investigations Virginia senator calls for Barr to resign over order to clear protests MORE "due process," including "the ability to confront his accusers" and that House Republicans should be able to subpoena their own witnesses.Graham had 39 co-sponsors when he introduced the resolution, but by Friday 50 of the Senate Republican Conference's 53 members had signed on as co-sponsors.
In addition to Collins and Murkowski, Sen. Mitt Romney
Willard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyOvernight Defense: Pentagon chief says he opposes invoking Insurrection Act for protests | White House dodges on Trump's confidence in Esper | 'Angry and appalled' Mattis scorches Trump Republicans stand by Esper after public break with Trump 7 GOP senators slam State Dept for 'slow and inefficient policy' on passports MORE (R-Utah) is the third GOP senator who has not yet signed on as a co-sponsor.
Willard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyOvernight Defense: Pentagon chief says he opposes invoking Insurrection Act for protests | White House dodges on Trump's confidence in Esper | 'Angry and appalled' Mattis scorches Trump Republicans stand by Esper after public break with Trump 7 GOP senators slam State Dept for 'slow and inefficient policy' on passports MORE (R-Utah) is the third GOP senator who has not yet signed on as a co-sponsor. Romney didn't rule it out on Monday, but indicated that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiPelosi scoffs at comparison between Trump and Churchill: 'I think they're hallucinating' Republicans stand by Esper after public break with Trump Pelosi joins protests against George Floyd's death outside Capitol MORE's (D-Calif.) decision to hold a vote on the impeachment inquiry's procedures likely superseded Graham's resolution.
Nancy PelosiPelosi scoffs at comparison between Trump and Churchill: 'I think they're hallucinating' Republicans stand by Esper after public break with Trump Pelosi joins protests against George Floyd's death outside Capitol MORE's (D-Calif.) decision to hold a vote on the impeachment inquiry's procedures likely superseded Graham's resolution. "You know I've been reluctant from the beginning to get involved in the process argument between the White House and the House, but now that the Speaker has scheduled a vote I think that's been overtaken by events," Romney said, asked why he hadn't signed on to Graham's resolution.
It's unclear if, or when, Graham's resolution will come up for a vote. It was sent to the Senate Rules Committee, which is overseen by Sen. Roy Blunt
Roy Dean BluntCalls for police reform sparks divisions in Congress Washington prepares for a summer without interns GOP faces internal conflicts on fifth coronavirus bill MORE (R-Mo.).
Roy Dean BluntCalls for police reform sparks divisions in Congress Washington prepares for a summer without interns GOP faces internal conflicts on fifth coronavirus bill MORE (R-Mo.). Blunt didn't indicate on Monday if he will take it up in committee, instead telling reporters that he is waiting to see the exact language of the House resolution.
"Let's see what she actually proposes," Blunt said. "I read her letter and it could mean not very much, or maybe it will mean more than we're just going to formalize the unfair way we've been doing things."
The resolution cannot currently pass the Senate, where it would need 60 votes. But bringing it to the floor could allow Senate Republicans to formally show their support for Trump.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate passes bill to give flexibility for small business coronavirus aid program On The Money: GOP turning against new round of ,200 rebate checks | Millions of Americans frustrated by delayed unemployment checks | Senate votes to give coronavirus relief program more flexibility Rand Paul holding up quick passage of anti-lynching bill MORE (R-Ky.) didn't respond to a question on Monday about moving Graham's resolution.
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate passes bill to give flexibility for small business coronavirus aid program On The Money: GOP turning against new round of ,200 rebate checks | Millions of Americans frustrated by delayed unemployment checks | Senate votes to give coronavirus relief program more flexibility Rand Paul holding up quick passage of anti-lynching bill MORE (R-Ky.) didn't respond to a question on Monday about moving Graham's resolution.But the GOP leader, who is co-sponsoring the measure, touted it during his Senate floor speech.
“It’s no secret that Washington Democrats have been looking for a way to remove President Trump since Inauguration Day. But that does not remove the basic requirements of fairness and due process. That’s what our resolution makes clear. I am proud to sponsor it with Chairman Graham," he said.
