Senators Sworn In To Render 'Impartial Justice' For Impeachment Trial

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts arrived in the U.S. Senate Thursday afternoon to prepare for his role presiding over the impeachment trial of President Trump and swore in the oath to senators.

“Senators, I attend the Senate in conformity with your notice for the purpose of joining with you for the trial of the president of the United States,” Roberts said before being administered the oath to preside over the trial. “I am now prepared to take the oath.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the Senate president pro tempore administered the oath to Roberts.

Roberts then swore in 99 of the 100 senators who will serve as impeachment jurors. Sen. James Inhofe(R-OK) was absent Thursday due to a family illness. Inhofe be sworn in when he returns on Tuesday.

The oath the senators took includes a vow to do “impartial justice.” Roberts recited the trial oath to swear in senators who will serve as impeachment jurors stood at their desks and raised their right hands.

“Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States now pending, you will do impartial justice, according to the Constitution and laws, so help you God?” Roberts asked.

“I do,” the senators replied in unison.

Lawmakers were then called to a desk on the floor of the Senate to sign an oath book.

Earlier in the afternoon, the seven House managers gathered in the Senate chamber. The lead manager, Rep. Adam Schiff(D-CA), formally read the resolution appointing them and the two articles of impeachment brought against President Trump — charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-KY) recited unanimous agreements setting deadlines for trial documents. The House has until 5 p.m. Saturday to file its trial brief, the White House until noon Monday to file its trial brief, and the House until noon Tuesday to file its rebuttal.

The trial will begin Tuesday, Jan. 21, when senators debate and pass a resolution on the rules of the trial.