On Eve of Impeachment Witness Vote, Schumer Says 'Just Four' Senate Republicans Can Ensure 'We Get the Truth'

Senate Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer tweeted Thursday night that the cooperation of "just four" Senate Republicans would be enough to pass a vote expected to occur Friday which would allow witnesses to give testimony during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

Republicans have been against the introduction of new witnesses into the trial, claiming the facts already presented by Trump's legal defense team is enough to pass judgement. Some members of the Senate have said that hearing new testimony from potential witnesses like former National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would be relevant to the case.

"Tomorrow, we'll take a crucial vote on whether we will debate having witnesses and documents in this trial," Schumer tweeted. "Four Senate Republicans—just four—can ensure that we get the truth. A trial without witness and documents would render any acquittal of President Trump meaningless."

Newsweek reached out to Senator Schumer's office for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.

So far, three Senate Republicans have publicly stated that they are open to hearing new witnesses.

Former presidential candidate and Utah Senator Mitt Romney told reporters Tuesday that Bolton's testimony is "relevant and therefore I'd like to hear it."

Early reports indicate that Bolton's memoir, which has yet to be released, contains information that allegedly links President Donald Trump directly to the freezing of military aid to Ukraine until they announced investigations into Trump's political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter. That alleged request has become the impetus for the impeachment proceedings against Trump.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski indicated Thursday that she may be open to hearing additional witness testimony. "The dispute about material facts weigh in favor of calling additional witnesses with direct knowledge," Murkowski said in a query to the White House legal defense team.

After a Wednesday meeting with House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday, Murkowski told reporters she would not "be discussing the witness situation right now."

Maine Senator Susan Collins announced Thursday that she would break ranks with the Republican majority and vote for witnesses during the impeachment trial.

However, Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee released a statement Thursday in which he said he would not support new testimony being heard.

"I worked with other senators to make sure that we have the right to ask for more documents and witnesses," Alexander said, "but there is no need for more evidence to prove something that has already been proven and that does not meet the United States Constitution's high bar for an impeachable offense."

If the majority of the senate votes against the introduction of new witnesses, Senate Republicans may move to acquit Trump as soon as Friday.