Senator Lankford Has a Better Idea for What the Senate Should Do with Bolton Leaks

Reagan McCarthy | January 28, 2020 11:15 AM

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s book release on Monday stirred more controversy into the impeachment trial for President Trump.

At no point of the House impeachment inquiry did Schiff ever subpoena Bolton.

That was Schiff's play call to declare himself ready for trial when he clearly wasn't.

Now, he's complaining in the Senate about the many reasons why he can't prove his case.

That's on him.
— Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) January 28, 2020

The possibility of Bolton testifying has become a dispute between Republicans, Democrats and the Trump Administration. Opponents of a hypothetical testimony from Bolton argue that this deposition could put national security matters at risk. Democrats and some Republicans argue that Bolton’s perspective is needed to get the full picture in the trial.

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) proposed a compromise on the issue of Bolton testifying. Sen. Lankford said that senators should have access to Bolton’s manuscript in order to determine whether or not a Bolton testimony is necessary, and if it could compromise national security.

“We still have quite a few days before we have to decide on witnesses and about testimony. There will be more that will continue to be able to come out to be able to make that decision. As I’ve said all along, the decision about witnesses and additional testimony and additional evidence comes at the end of the trial. If all the questions are answered, we don’t need it. If the questions are not answered, then we may,” Sen. Lankford said, per The Oklahoman.

I totally support @SenatorLankford's
proposal that the Bolton manuscript be made available to the Senate, if possible, in a classified setting where each Senator has the opportunity to review the manuscript and make their own determination. https://t.co/e18nUfSMgI
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 28, 2020