Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell did not rule out the possibility that Republicans would try to independently establish the rules of procedure for impeachment of the US President in the upper house if they fail to negotiate with the Democrats, TASS reported referring to Politico.

The rules of procedure for impeachment in the Senate are defined only in general terms, and legislators must agree on specific details separately. Fifty one votes needed for the adoption of a resolution. Republicans now have 53 seats in the upper house.

Disagreements may arise between them and the Democrats, regarding the issue of calling witnesses to hearings. So, earlier, the The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported on the desire of some Republican senators to bring to the process those people whose testimony was not given to the democrats who control the House of Representatives. It was about Hunter Biden - the son of former US Vice President Joseph Biden.

According to McConnell, the final Republican action plan has not yet been determined, and only has various scenarios. 

Procedure details

The House of Representatives has the exclusive prerogative to formulate and bring charges under impeachment. Congressmen vote to refer the matter to the legal committee, which is investigating the allegations. If there is reason, then an actual indictment is being prepared.

After approval by the committee, the document is sent for consideration to the chamber of the whole. Its approval requires a simple majority of votes, which at the current alignment of forces, the legislators of the US Democratic Party can theoretically gain.

If approved, the charges are transferred to the Senate, where the procedure turns into a trial. The House actually acts as a party to the prosecution, and senators act as members of the jury. At least two-thirds of the votes of senators are required (at least 67) for impeachment to take place.

For this reason, with the current composition of the Senate, the probability of voting in favor of impeachment is virtually reduced to zero. Since the beginning of this year, Republicans (based on the results of the November midterm elections) occupy 53 out of 100 seats in the upper house of Congress.