Senate Democrats Break With Pelosi Over Impeachment Articles Strategy

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s stalling tactics in transmitting the Articles of Impeachment against President Trump to the Senate is beginning to create cracks within the Democratic party. Some Senate Democrats have now called for the release of the articles, saying they should be sent over to the chamber quick if impeachment is "serious and urgent."

House Democrats have so far stuck with the Speaker on her strategy, if it can be called that, of delaying transmitting the articles, but Senate Democrats are now breaking away. Pelosi had held back, saying she wanted leverage over the Senate Republicans in deciding on the details of the trial.

But the Speaker's efforts are coming to an end as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has secured the votes in his caucus to move forward without an agreement on witnesses and documents.

As he prepares to move ahead without Dems' support for the rules, Senate Democrats are now saying it’s time to have the trial and move on in the interest of ending the stalemate, Politico first reported.

Among the growing number of senators on the left that are calling for Pelosi to move things forward is fellow California lawmaker Sen. Diane Feinstein. “The longer it goes on the less urgent it becomes,” said Feinstein. “So if it’s serious and urgent, send them over. If it isn’t, don’t send it over.”

Other Democrats who have been exhibiting impatience include Virginia Senator Joe Manchin (who has occasionally broken with his party to appease his more conservative constituency) and Senator Joe Tester of Montana.

“I don’t know what leverage we have. It looks like the cake is already baked,” said Tester. Delaware Senator Chris Coons said that he respects and understands Pelosi’s desire to have a fair and honest trial, but he thinks it’s time to “get on with it.”

Although some Senators in her party are starting to bristle at the stall tactics, Democrats in the House remain firmly behind Pelosi. At the same time, a growing number of lawmakers are ready to see the feud between her and McConnell come to an end. Pelosi also has the support of key ranking Senators, including Minority Whip Dick Durbin, who claims she’s doing all she can to ensure a fair trial, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who says she’s doing a good job.