cnbc--2020-02-01--Iowa's minor league baseball teams find themselves in the 2020 Democratic caucus fight

CLINTON , Iowa — Ted Tornow 's office showcases a life in baseball .
Team photos line what he jokes is the `` wall of shame , '' tracing the Clinton LumberKings general manger 's 37 years working in the minor leagues from Tennessee to Alabama , to Mississippi and Montana and now eastern Iowa .
He points to an image of Bo Jackson , the multi-sport superstar who took baseball 's Memphis Chicks by storm when Tornow worked for the team in 1986 .
He notes a photo of Ryne Sandberg and recalls how the Chicago Cubs legend `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visited as manager of the Peoria Chiefs .
Now , a threat to the LumberKings and two other Iowa professional teams has brought Tornow into the orbit of another force : Bernie Sanders .
The Vermont senator and presidential candidate , shaped at a young age by the National League 's Dodgers leaving his native Brooklyn for Los Angeles , has helped to lead resistance to a Major League Baseball proposal that could cut 42 minor league clubs .
Burlington , Vt. — where Sanders was mayor in the 1980s — also could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perfect example , '' Tornow said Monday during an animated elucidation about how Americans want to protect their traditions and history like baseball teams that have played for decades — or more than a century in the case of the LumberKings .
`` The Dodgers ripped his heart out when they left Brooklyn .
Now they want to yank his team out from when he was the mayor of Burlington . ''
The minor league teams that could lose their affiliation with a major league club after the 2020 season play all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayors , governors and more than 100 bipartisan members of Congress have pushed the MLB to keep the teams in its system .
They argue the clubs bring jobs , economic activity and affordable entertainment to communities .
The political furor against the MLB has proved the sharpest in Iowa , which sits under a microscope ahead of Monday 's first-in-the-nation 2020 Democratic presidential caucuses .
Three teams in the state from small cities along the Mississippi River – the LumberKings , Burlington Bees and Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport – could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Severing that connection dents their prospects for survival .
Democratic presidential hopefuls have decried the potential contraction of minor league baseball as they look for any edge in the tight first presidential nominating contest .
Three of the U.S. House members from Iowa 's four competitive districts — Democratic Reps. Cindy Axne , Abby Finkenauer and Dave Loebsack — signed on to the `` Save Minor League Baseball Task Force . ''
The group introduced a House resolution this week saying baseball should keep its current minor league structure .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bandits game in September as she campaigned across Iowa .
In December , she tweeted a photo of herself on the diamond in a River Bandits Jersey and urged the MLB to `` step back and reconsider '' its plans .
Fomer South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg , whose home city has a minor league baseball team , tweeted in December that `` cities like mine know what a minor league baseball team can mean to an economy , a culture , and even a childhood . ''
He called on the MLB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` save our teams . ''
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, joined with her home state colleague Sen. Ed Markey to object to the MLB proposal in a December letter to Manfred .
A Lowell , Mass.
, team could fall by the wayside at the end of the year .
The senators argued the plan would `` cause significant economic damage to the City of Lowell , eliminate an important piece of the community 's cultural footprint and disappoint baseball fans of all ages , '' according to the Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal will increase the efficiency of its organization and improve facilities for players trying to play their way to the majors .
In a written statement last month after Manfred met with Sanders , the MLB said it `` must ensure that Minor League players have safe playing facilities suitable for the development of professional baseball players , are not subjected to unreasonable travel demands , are provided with compensation and working conditions appropriate for elite athletes , and have a realistic opportunity of making it to the Major Leagues . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privately to the Minor Leagues that whatever the outcome of the negotiations , MLB will offer every community that currently hosts professional baseball options to preserve baseball in a viable , fan-friendly , compelling format with the full support of MLB .
We remain confident that solutions can be reached that satisfy the interests of all stakeholders , '' the league said in December .
Sanders sees the MLB 's plans as another example of big business greed that has harmed workers and communities .
He has run on a massive political and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporations .
The senator recently told The New York Times that his views stem in part from the Dodgers ' move across the country in 1957 .
`` I do n't want to tell you that was the sole reason that I 've developed the politics that I 've developed , '' Sanders told the newspaper .
`` But as a kid , I did see in that case about the greed of one particular company .
And that impacted me . ''
Another candidate for federal office criss-crossing a large swath of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an example of the wealthy having too much power .
J.D .
Scholten is a Democratic candidate for Congress in Iowa 's 4th District .
He played baseball in college and for the unaffiliated club in Sioux City , Iowa , and he said he `` ca n't put a price tag on what baseball means to me .
But the [ MLB ] owners seem to have . ''
`` There 's so much incentive for the wealth and wealthy and it 's the little guys , it 's the workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country great that are getting the shaft in a lot of this stuff .
And this is just another example of it , '' Scholten said Tuesday .
He is challenging Republican Rep. Steve King again this year after narrowly losing to him in 2018 .
`` I do n't know what else I 'd do '' In Clinton , a city of less than 30,000 , losing the LumberKings could take a bite out of the local economy .
The club supports 180 full-time jobs , both directly and indirectly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study with analysis from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and U.S. government data .
That accounts for just under 1 % of jobs in the county .
The Class A Midwest League team , which is affiliated with the MLB 's Miami Marlins , also contributes to $ 4.7 million in wages in the county , according to the study .
That 's the equivalent of 0.2 % of its GDP .
Tornow said `` I do n't know what else I 'd do '' if he could no longer work for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team .
`` I do n't know what I 'm qualified for .
I can pour beers and I can cook hot dogs and hamburgers and brats , '' he said .
`` Is it scary ?
Depends on who you ask .
I do n't worry about tomorrow .
Today 's got enough trouble of its own . ''
Politically , Clinton County embodies a trend seen in pockets of the country in recent years .
The area has more registered Democrats than Republicans .
President Barack Obama won Clinton County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 .
President Donald Trump carried it by about 5 percentage points four years later .
Some 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls made a point to visit Clinton in the final run before the caucuses .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and entrepreneur Andrew Yang both held events there this week .
`` I hate to see it leave '' Both candidates also stopped in Burlington , which sits just over a two-hour drive southwest of Clinton , in the last stretch before the caucuses .
Des Moines County , where Burlington sits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It too flipped dramatically from Obama to Trump in 2016 .
Burlington is where Sanders rallied with Iowa 's minor league teams in December , taking swings just a couple months after suffering a heart attack .
The city has its own rich baseball heritage .
The Burlington Bees , a Class A Midwest League team , were first founded in 1889 .
Steve Bell , a retired policeman in Burlington , said Tuesday that four generations of his family have gone to minor league games in town .
`` I hate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just kind of been a landmark in Burlington forever , '' he said , calling baseball games `` affordable entertainment . ''
Bell met with a church group last week at the Beancounter Coffeehouse and Drinkery — a shop that hangs coffee cups on its walls signed by visitors like former 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Beto O'Rourke and Tim Ryan .
O'Rourke stood on a countertop as he spoke to voters crowded into the store early in his presidential campaign last year .
Bell and another member of his group run through parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chosen MLB Hall of Famer Larry Walker played for the Bees around when Bo Jackson was in Clinton .
They say a carelessly tossed cigarette caused a fire that burned down the team 's wooden stadium in 1971 , forcing it to rebuild .
Bees general manager Kim Parker is n't sure if that story is true .
She says it 's the one locals tell , in any case .
Parker started working for the team about 20 years ago , selling 50-50 tickets and programs on game days .
She worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is entering her third season as general manager .
Parker 's father spent 17 years as the Bees general manager before her .
She grew up around the sport .
`` I love this organization , I love this town and I love baseball , '' Parker , who was named the top woman executive in minor league baseball in 2019 , said Tuesday .
`` It 's literally my heart and soul .
And my husband will tell you that .
He actually knew what he was getting into when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' I 'm really marrying you and the organization ? '
And I was like , 'Absolutely . '
'' Burlington has many similarities to Clinton .
The small Mississippi River city has a population of about 25,000 .
A study found the Bees also directly and indirectly support 180 full-time jobs in their home county of Des Moines .
The wages the team supports are equivalent to about 0.2 % of county GDP , the Iowa Economic Development Authority found .
Parker said she will do everything she can with Congress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affiliate , The Los Angeles Angels , to ensure Burlington does not lose its team .
And she 's trying not to think about what her life would look like without the Bees .
Parker said : `` There were a few people who were like , 'Ah , you 'd get a job no problem .
You could walk in anywhere and get a job . '
I 'm like , ' I do n't want that job .
I already know I do n't want that job .
I want this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball . '
''

Clinton LumberKings baseball team general manager Ted Tornow in his office at NelsonCorp Field in Clinton, IA. Jacob Pramuk | CNBC
CLINTON, Iowa — Ted Tornow's office showcases a life in baseball. Team photos line what he jokes is the "wall of shame," tracing the Clinton LumberKings general manger's 37 years working in the minor leagues from Tennessee to Alabama, to Mississippi and Montana and now eastern Iowa. He points to an image of Bo Jackson, the multi-sport superstar who took baseball's Memphis Chicks by storm when Tornow worked for the team in 1986. He notes a photo of Ryne Sandberg and recalls how the Chicago Cubs legend "packed" Clinton's stadium when he visited as manager of the Peoria Chiefs. Now, a threat to the LumberKings and two other Iowa professional teams has brought Tornow into the orbit of another force: Bernie Sanders. The Vermont senator and presidential candidate, shaped at a young age by the National League's Dodgers leaving his native Brooklyn for Los Angeles, has helped to lead resistance to a Major League Baseball proposal that could cut 42 minor league clubs. Burlington, Vt. — where Sanders was mayor in the 1980s — also could lose a team. "Bernie's the perfect example," Tornow said Monday during an animated elucidation about how Americans want to protect their traditions and history like baseball teams that have played for decades — or more than a century in the case of the LumberKings. "The Dodgers ripped his heart out when they left Brooklyn. Now they want to yank his team out from when he was the mayor of Burlington."
The outside of NelsonCorp Field in Clinton, IA, where the LumberKings play their home games. Jacob Pramuk | CNBC
The minor league teams that could lose their affiliation with a major league club after the 2020 season play all over the country. Team executives, mayors, governors and more than 100 bipartisan members of Congress have pushed the MLB to keep the teams in its system. They argue the clubs bring jobs, economic activity and affordable entertainment to communities. The political furor against the MLB has proved the sharpest in Iowa, which sits under a microscope ahead of Monday's first-in-the-nation 2020 Democratic presidential caucuses. Three teams in the state from small cities along the Mississippi River – the LumberKings, Burlington Bees and Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport – could lose their link to the MLB. Severing that connection dents their prospects for survival. Democratic presidential hopefuls have decried the potential contraction of minor league baseball as they look for any edge in the tight first presidential nominating contest. Three of the U.S. House members from Iowa's four competitive districts — Democratic Reps. Cindy Axne, Abby Finkenauer and Dave Loebsack — signed on to the "Save Minor League Baseball Task Force." The group introduced a House resolution this week saying baseball should keep its current minor league structure.
Democrats go to bat
Most of the Democratic candidates near the top of Iowa caucus polling have rallied support for minor league baseball. In December, Sanders went to Burlington, which sits south of Clinton on the Mississippi, to hit balls and hold a round table with team officials from Iowa. He separately met with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred last month.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., hits a baseball after a meeting with minor league baseball players and officials at FunCity Turf, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Burlington, Iowa. Charlie Neibergall | AP
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., went to a River Bandits game in September as she campaigned across Iowa. In December, she tweeted a photo of herself on the diamond in a River Bandits Jersey and urged the MLB to "step back and reconsider" its plans. Amy Klobuchar tweet Fomer South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, whose home city has a minor league baseball team, tweeted in December that "cities like mine know what a minor league baseball team can mean to an economy, a culture, and even a childhood." He called on the MLB to "do the right thing" and "save our teams." Pete Buttigieg tweet Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., joined with her home state colleague Sen. Ed Markey to object to the MLB proposal in a December letter to Manfred. A Lowell, Mass., team could fall by the wayside at the end of the year. The senators argued the plan would "cause significant economic damage to the City of Lowell, eliminate an important piece of the community's cultural footprint and disappoint baseball fans of all ages," according to the Boston Globe. The MLB has said the proposal will increase the efficiency of its organization and improve facilities for players trying to play their way to the majors. In a written statement last month after Manfred met with Sanders, the MLB said it "must ensure that Minor League players have safe playing facilities suitable for the development of professional baseball players, are not subjected to unreasonable travel demands, are provided with compensation and working conditions appropriate for elite athletes, and have a realistic opportunity of making it to the Major Leagues." "We repeatedly have stated both publicly and privately to the Minor Leagues that whatever the outcome of the negotiations, MLB will offer every community that currently hosts professional baseball options to preserve baseball in a viable, fan-friendly, compelling format with the full support of MLB. We remain confident that solutions can be reached that satisfy the interests of all stakeholders," the league said in December. Sanders sees the MLB's plans as another example of big business greed that has harmed workers and communities. He has run on a massive political and economic overhaul that will rein in massive corporations. The senator recently told The New York Times that his views stem in part from the Dodgers' move across the country in 1957. "I don't want to tell you that was the sole reason that I've developed the politics that I've developed," Sanders told the newspaper. "But as a kid, I did see in that case about the greed of one particular company. And that impacted me." Another candidate for federal office criss-crossing a large swath of Iowa this year cited the MLB proposal as an example of the wealthy having too much power. J.D. Scholten is a Democratic candidate for Congress in Iowa's 4th District. He played baseball in college and for the unaffiliated club in Sioux City, Iowa, and he said he "can't put a price tag on what baseball means to me. But the [MLB] owners seem to have." "There's so much incentive for the wealth and wealthy and it's the little guys, it's the workers, it's the people who make this country great that are getting the shaft in a lot of this stuff. And this is just another example of it," Scholten said Tuesday. He is challenging Republican Rep. Steve King again this year after narrowly losing to him in 2018.
Bridge and rail crossings over the partially frozen Mississippi River in Clinton, IA. Jacob Pramuk | CNBC
"I don't know what else I'd do"
In Clinton, a city of less than 30,000, losing the LumberKings could take a bite out of the local economy. The club supports 180 full-time jobs, both directly and indirectly, in Clinton County, according to a study with analysis from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and U.S. government data. That accounts for just under 1% of jobs in the county. The Class A Midwest League team, which is affiliated with the MLB's Miami Marlins, also contributes to $4.7 million in wages in the county, according to the study. That's the equivalent of 0.2% of its GDP. Tornow said "I don't know what else I'd do" if he could no longer work for the LumberKings after more than 20 years with the team. "I don't know what I'm qualified for. I can pour beers and I can cook hot dogs and hamburgers and brats," he said. "Is it scary? Depends on who you ask. I don't worry about tomorrow. Today's got enough trouble of its own." Politically, Clinton County embodies a trend seen in pockets of the country in recent years. The area has more registered Democrats than Republicans. President Barack Obama won Clinton County by more than 20 percentage points in 2012. President Donald Trump carried it by about 5 percentage points four years later. Some 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls made a point to visit Clinton in the final run before the caucuses. Former Vice President Joe Biden and entrepreneur Andrew Yang both held events there this week.
Snow blankets the Port of Burlington, Iowa, on the Mississippi River. Jacob Pramuk | CNBC
"I hate to see it leave"
Both candidates also stopped in Burlington, which sits just over a two-hour drive southwest of Clinton, in the last stretch before the caucuses. Des Moines County, where Burlington sits, has more registered Democrats than Republicans. It too flipped dramatically from Obama to Trump in 2016. Burlington is where Sanders rallied with Iowa's minor league teams in December, taking swings just a couple months after suffering a heart attack. The city has its own rich baseball heritage. The Burlington Bees, a Class A Midwest League team, were first founded in 1889. Steve Bell, a retired policeman in Burlington, said Tuesday that four generations of his family have gone to minor league games in town. "I hate to see it leave. ... It's just kind of been a landmark in Burlington forever," he said, calling baseball games "affordable entertainment." Bell met with a church group last week at the Beancounter Coffeehouse and Drinkery — a shop that hangs coffee cups on its walls signed by visitors like former 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Beto O'Rourke and Tim Ryan. O'Rourke stood on a countertop as he spoke to voters crowded into the store early in his presidential campaign last year. Bell and another member of his group run through parts of the team's history. Newly chosen MLB Hall of Famer Larry Walker played for the Bees around when Bo Jackson was in Clinton. They say a carelessly tossed cigarette caused a fire that burned down the team's wooden stadium in 1971, forcing it to rebuild.
Burlington Bees baseball team general manager Kim Parker stands in the team's offices at Community Field in Burlington, IA. Jacob Pramuk | CNBC
Bees general manager Kim Parker isn't sure if that story is true. She says it's the one locals tell, in any case. Parker started working for the team about 20 years ago, selling 50-50 tickets and programs on game days. She worked her way to full-time staff after college and is entering her third season as general manager. Parker's father spent 17 years as the Bees general manager before her. She grew up around the sport. "I love this organization, I love this town and I love baseball," Parker, who was named the top woman executive in minor league baseball in 2019, said Tuesday. "It's literally my heart and soul. And my husband will tell you that. He actually knew what he was getting into when he married. So he was like, 'I'm really marrying you and the organization?' And I was like, 'Absolutely.'" Burlington has many similarities to Clinton. The small Mississippi River city has a population of about 25,000. A study found the Bees also directly and indirectly support 180 full-time jobs in their home county of Des Moines. The wages the team supports are equivalent to about 0.2% of county GDP, the Iowa Economic Development Authority found. Parker said she will do everything she can with Congress, local officials and the team's MLB affiliate, The Los Angeles Angels, to ensure Burlington does not lose its team. And she's trying not to think about what her life would look like without the Bees. Parker said: "There were a few people who were like, 'Ah, you'd get a job no problem. You could walk in anywhere and get a job.' I'm like, 'I don't want that job. I already know I don't want that job. I want this job and I want to be in baseball.'"


cnbc--2020-02-01--Senate votes against calling new witnesses in Trump's impeachment trial

WASHINGTON – A razor-thin majority of Senate Republicans on Friday voted against a Democratic proposal to admit additional witnesses and documents into President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial .
The final tally was 51 votes against the motion , and 49 in favor .
The vote dashed Democrats ' hopes of hearing testimony from former Trump national security advisor John Bolton , and it shifted the weeks-long trial into its final stages .
Two Republican senators , Susan Collins of Maine and Utah 's Mitt Romney , broke with their party in order to join Democrats in voting to admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51 Republicans , did not .
Democrats had needed at least four GOP senators to vote with them , and they fell short of that threshold by two votes .
Following the adjournment of the Senate on Friday , McConnell called a recess in the Senate , likely in order to continue ongoing negotiations between the White House , Senate Republicans and , to a lesser extent , Senate Democrats , over the next steps in the trial .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the vote `` a perfidy , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst tragedies that the Senate has ever overcome . ''
There will be no final vote to convict or acquit Trump on Friday .
Senators will confer with the House managers and defense to determine next steps .

WASHINGTON – A razor-thin majority of Senate Republicans on Friday voted against a Democratic proposal to admit additional witnesses and documents into President Donald Trump's impeachment trial.
The final tally was 51 votes against the motion, and 49 in favor.
The vote dashed Democrats' hopes of hearing testimony from former Trump national security advisor John Bolton, and it shifted the weeks-long trial into its final stages.
Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Utah's Mitt Romney, broke with their party in order to join Democrats in voting to admit additional evidence, but the majority, 51 Republicans, did not.
Democrats had needed at least four GOP senators to vote with them, and they fell short of that threshold by two votes.
Following the adjournment of the Senate on Friday, McConnell called a recess in the Senate, likely in order to continue ongoing negotiations between the White House, Senate Republicans and, to a lesser extent, Senate Democrats, over the next steps in the trial.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the vote "a perfidy, it's a grand tragedy, one of the worst tragedies that the Senate has ever overcome."
There will be no final vote to convict or acquit Trump on Friday. Senators will confer with the House managers and defense to determine next steps.


cnbc--2020-01-31--UK formally leaves the European Union and begins Brexit transition period

The U.K. finally left the EU on Friday evening after 47 years of membership , marking one of the biggest political and economic shifts in modern European history .
Brexit brings about the end of a tumultuous three-and-a-half year departure process that has caused turmoil in the U.K. 's political establishment , economic uncertainty and heightened tensions between the U.K. and the EU — its largest single trading partner as a bloc .
The departure on January 31 also marks the start of a `` transition period '' in which the U.K. remains a member of the single market and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU to strike a free-trade deal .
During the transition period , the U.K. will not have voting rights on EU matters but will still be bound by EU rules .
The U.K. government has set an ambitious ( and some say , unviable ) deadline of the end of 2020 in which a deal must be reached , otherwise it will leave the single market with `` no deal '' and will have to revert to World Trade Organization rules .
How did this happen ?
On June 23 , 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a vote on whether the U.K. should remain a member of the EU .
To much of the country 's shock — even , it appeared , to politicians like current Prime Minister Boris Johnson who campaigned to leave — 51.9 % of Brits voted to leave the EU with 48.1 % voting to remain in the economic and political union .
Although the political earthquake was unexpected , euroskepticism was rife in the country in the decades and immediate years leading up to the referendum , fueled partly by an anti-EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise of the U.K .
Independence Party led by Nigel Farage .
A migration crisis in Europe in the run-up to the 2016 vote , fears over the possible accession of Turkey to the EU and a desire among many Brits to contain immigration also played a part .
There were more intangible factors such as Britain being an island separated from its continental neighbors , and of somehow , someway , being `` different . ''
Reeling from the vote and the immediate resignation of then Prime Minister David Cameron , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 , 2017 , to trigger `` Article 50 , '' beginning what was meant to be a two-year countdown to the U.K. formally leaving .
The EU and U.K. then struck a Brexit deal , or `` Withdrawal Agreement , '' but it failed to win approval by a majority of the British Parliament in March , 2019 , and May was forced to ask the EU to extend the deadline .
With her Brexit deal being rejected by a total of three times by Parliament , May was all but forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer .
Many point to a misjudged election she called in 2017 as being behind her downfall when she lost her paramilitary majority .
Her departure prompted a leadership race within the ruling Conservative Party and the ascension of Brexit-supporting Johnson in July .
Johnson went back to Brussels and renegotiated parts of the Brexit deal .
His plan was also rejected by lawmakers in Westminster but a snap election in December gave him the crucial majority he desired and needed .
What happens next ?
The U.K. will now remain a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only during a `` transition period '' until the end of 2020 .
During that time , the U.K. and EU will try to strike a trade deal , although the short time frame is seen as ambitious and Brussels has warned London that the trading relationship will not be the same post-Brexit .
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar suggested in an interview with the BBC Monday that the EU will be the `` stronger team '' in post-Brexit trade talks and that striking a deal would be `` difficult . ''
Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.K. can `` wrap up '' a deal by its self-imposed deadline .
What 's certain , and repeatedly reiterated by the EU side , is that the economic and political relationship will change and the U.K. might not enjoy the `` frictionless trade '' it has enjoyed as a member of the EU and a member of its single market .
The single market seeks to guarantee the free movement of goods , capital , services , and labor — the `` four freedoms '' — within the EU .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people and consumers , the value of single market membership and that unfettered movement of goods and services is a boon to businesses in the bloc .
There is still much regret on both the EU side and among remainers in the U.K. regarding Brexit .
For countries like Germany , losing the U.K. means losing not only one of the biggest economies in the bloc , but a pragmatic ally .
There were tears , hugs , emotional speeches and singing in the European Parliament on Wednesday as lawmakers ratified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU , and took stock of the challenges facing the EU-U.K. 's future relationship and the EU itself .
Germany 's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a letter to the U.K. , published in German newspaper Die Zeit on Wednesday , that `` it hurts that you are leaving . ''
`` Not just because the European Union is losing 66 million citizens and one of its strongest economies .
You have always been 'Global Britain , ' and that did the EU good .
Your pragmatism , your tolerance , your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on some of the typical British opt-outs — will be sorely missed , when you leave the EU in a few hours ' time , '' Maas said .
Pro-Brexit lawmakers in the U.K. have always argued that the country should strike out on its own and be free of the rules and regulations ( as they see them , restrictions ) of Europe .
But it will have to abide by many of those rules if it wants a close trading relationship .
Just how economically successful the U.K. will be after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals around the world , remains to be seen — particularly as the U.K. goes from being part of a big influential bloc to a much smaller , single entity .
Brexit is not just about a transformation of the U.K. and the EU 's economic and political ties , it has often been emotional too .
It has been the cause of many disagreements in many streets and homes up and down the country and has often divided British families and friendships .

A protester with 12 gold stars representing the European flag stars, as tears on her cheeks, takes part in a "Flag Mob" in Parliament Square in central London on February 20, 2017. JUSTIN TALLIS
The U.K. finally left the EU on Friday evening after 47 years of membership, marking one of the biggest political and economic shifts in modern European history. Brexit brings about the end of a tumultuous three-and-a-half year departure process that has caused turmoil in the U.K.'s political establishment, economic uncertainty and heightened tensions between the U.K. and the EU — its largest single trading partner as a bloc. The departure on January 31 also marks the start of a "transition period" in which the U.K. remains a member of the single market and customs union and begins negotiations with the EU to strike a free-trade deal. During the transition period, the U.K. will not have voting rights on EU matters but will still be bound by EU rules. The U.K. government has set an ambitious (and some say, unviable) deadline of the end of 2020 in which a deal must be reached, otherwise it will leave the single market with "no deal" and will have to revert to World Trade Organization rules.
How did this happen?
On June 23, 2016, the British people went to the polls in a vote on whether the U.K. should remain a member of the EU. To much of the country's shock — even, it appeared, to politicians like current Prime Minister Boris Johnson who campaigned to leave — 51.9% of Brits voted to leave the EU with 48.1% voting to remain in the economic and political union. Although the political earthquake was unexpected, euroskepticism was rife in the country in the decades and immediate years leading up to the referendum, fueled partly by an anti-EU tabloid press in the U.K. and the rise of the U.K. Independence Party led by Nigel Farage. A migration crisis in Europe in the run-up to the 2016 vote, fears over the possible accession of Turkey to the EU and a desire among many Brits to contain immigration also played a part. There were more intangible factors such as Britain being an island separated from its continental neighbors, and of somehow, someway, being "different." Reeling from the vote and the immediate resignation of then Prime Minister David Cameron, the government under Theresa May took until March 29, 2017, to trigger "Article 50," beginning what was meant to be a two-year countdown to the U.K. formally leaving.
watch now
The EU and U.K. then struck a Brexit deal, or "Withdrawal Agreement," but it failed to win approval by a majority of the British Parliament in March, 2019, and May was forced to ask the EU to extend the deadline. With her Brexit deal being rejected by a total of three times by Parliament, May was all but forced to step down as party leader last summer. Many point to a misjudged election she called in 2017 as being behind her downfall when she lost her paramilitary majority. Her departure prompted a leadership race within the ruling Conservative Party and the ascension of Brexit-supporting Johnson in July. Johnson went back to Brussels and renegotiated parts of the Brexit deal. His plan was also rejected by lawmakers in Westminster but a snap election in December gave him the crucial majority he desired and needed.
What happens next?
The U.K. will now remain a member of the EU's single market but only during a "transition period" until the end of 2020. During that time, the U.K. and EU will try to strike a trade deal, although the short time frame is seen as ambitious and Brussels has warned London that the trading relationship will not be the same post-Brexit. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar suggested in an interview with the BBC Monday that the EU will be the "stronger team" in post-Brexit trade talks and that striking a deal would be "difficult." Johnson has dismissed pessimism, however, saying the U.K. can "wrap up" a deal by its self-imposed deadline. What's certain, and repeatedly reiterated by the EU side, is that the economic and political relationship will change and the U.K. might not enjoy the "frictionless trade" it has enjoyed as a member of the EU and a member of its single market. The single market seeks to guarantee the free movement of goods, capital, services, and labor — the "four freedoms" — within the EU. And with a collective population of over 500 million people and consumers, the value of single market membership and that unfettered movement of goods and services is a boon to businesses in the bloc.
watch now
Mixed feelings
There is still much regret on both the EU side and among remainers in the U.K. regarding Brexit. For countries like Germany, losing the U.K. means losing not only one of the biggest economies in the bloc, but a pragmatic ally. There were tears, hugs, emotional speeches and singing in the European Parliament on Wednesday as lawmakers ratified the U.K.'s terms of departure from the EU, and took stock of the challenges facing the EU-U.K.'s future relationship and the EU itself. Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a letter to the U.K., published in German newspaper Die Zeit on Wednesday, that "it hurts that you are leaving." "Not just because the European Union is losing 66 million citizens and one of its strongest economies. You have always been 'Global Britain,' and that did the EU good. Your pragmatism, your tolerance, your sense of humor — even your insistence on some of the typical British opt-outs — will be sorely missed, when you leave the EU in a few hours' time," Maas said. Pro-Brexit lawmakers in the U.K. have always argued that the country should strike out on its own and be free of the rules and regulations (as they see them, restrictions) of Europe. But it will have to abide by many of those rules if it wants a close trading relationship. Just how economically successful the U.K. will be after Brexit, and on striking free trade deals around the world, remains to be seen — particularly as the U.K. goes from being part of a big influential bloc to a much smaller, single entity. Brexit is not just about a transformation of the U.K. and the EU's economic and political ties, it has often been emotional too. It has been the cause of many disagreements in many streets and homes up and down the country and has often divided British families and friendships.


cnbc--2020-01-31--Trump imposes travel restrictions, mandatory quarantines over coronavirus outbreak

The Trump administration on Friday declared the coronavirus a public health emergency in the United States , and announced that certain foreign nationals deemed to pose a risk of transmitting the disease will temporarily be denied entry to the U.S .
Some returning American citizens potentially at risk will be quarantined .
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that President Donald Trump signed an order for the U.S. to deny entry to any foreign nationals who have traveled in China within the past two weeks , aside from the immediate family of U.S. citizens .
Azar , speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said that any U.S. citizens who have been in China 's Hubei province — home of Wuhan , the epicenter of the virus — within the last 14 days `` will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine to ensure they 're provided proper medical care and health screening . ''
Also starting Sunday , U.S. citizens returning from other parts of mainland China will also face screenings and two weeks of monitoring and self-quarantine .
The risk to the American public is `` low '' at this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Azar called the measures `` fairly incremental '' and `` appropriate , preventative steps . ''
Yet , officials said they wanted to ensure it would remain a low risk to Americans .

The Trump administration on Friday declared the coronavirus a public health emergency in the United States, and announced that certain foreign nationals deemed to pose a risk of transmitting the disease will temporarily be denied entry to the U.S. Some returning American citizens potentially at risk will be quarantined.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that President Donald Trump signed an order for the U.S. to deny entry to any foreign nationals who have traveled in China within the past two weeks, aside from the immediate family of U.S. citizens.
Azar, speaking to reporters at the White House, also said that any U.S. citizens who have been in China's Hubei province — home of Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus — within the last 14 days "will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine to ensure they're provided proper medical care and health screening." Also starting Sunday, U.S. citizens returning from other parts of mainland China will also face screenings and two weeks of monitoring and self-quarantine.
The risk to the American public is "low" at this time, said Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Azar called the measures "fairly incremental" and "appropriate, preventative steps." Yet, officials said they wanted to ensure it would remain a low risk to Americans.


cnbc--2020-02-01--Senate leaders strike a deal to vote on Trump impeachment acquittal after Iowa caucus, State of the

Senate leaders strike a deal to vote on Trump impeachment acquittal after Iowa caucus, State of the Union

WASHINGTON -- The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate have reached a deal to postpone the final vote in President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial , whether to convict or acquit him , until Wednesday , Feb. 5 .
The arrangement delays the vote until after Monday night 's Iowa caucus , and the president 's State of the Union Address , scheduled for Tuesday .
It also ensures that both teams of lawyers in the president 's trial are given sufficient time to make their closing arguments , and senators are given time to stand up and explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Friday , the Senate voted down a measure that would have admitted new witnesses and evidence into the trial .
The vote dealt a blow to Democrats who had fought for a week to bring former Trump national security advisor John Bolton before the Senate to testify .
Less than two hours later , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released a new resolution outlining the sequence of events over the next five days .
The Senate will now stand in recess over the weekend .
The chamber will reconvene on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by both the president 's legal team and the Democratic House managers .
Between Monday and Wednesday , there will be opportunities for senators to speak .
The final vote on the articles of impeachment will take place Wednesday at 4 p.m. With a two-thirds majority needed to convict a president on impeachment articles , Trump is all but assured of being acquitted .
Friday evening 's deal represents a compromise between the White House , which had initially wanted the acquittal vote to be on Friday night , and senators in both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , take the weekend off , and hold the vote on a day that would not be overshadowed by another major news event , like the Iowa caucus .

WASHINGTON -- The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate have reached a deal to postpone the final vote in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, whether to convict or acquit him, until Wednesday, Feb. 5.
The arrangement delays the vote until after Monday night's Iowa caucus, and the president's State of the Union Address, scheduled for Tuesday. It also ensures that both teams of lawyers in the president's trial are given sufficient time to make their closing arguments, and senators are given time to stand up and explain their votes, if they desire to.
On Friday, the Senate voted down a measure that would have admitted new witnesses and evidence into the trial. The vote dealt a blow to Democrats who had fought for a week to bring former Trump national security advisor John Bolton before the Senate to testify.
Less than two hours later, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released a new resolution outlining the sequence of events over the next five days.
The Senate will now stand in recess over the weekend.
The chamber will reconvene on Monday morning at 11 a.m. for closing arguments by both the president's legal team and the Democratic House managers. Between Monday and Wednesday, there will be opportunities for senators to speak.
The final vote on the articles of impeachment will take place Wednesday at 4 p.m. With a two-thirds majority needed to convict a president on impeachment articles, Trump is all but assured of being acquitted.
Friday evening's deal represents a compromise between the White House, which had initially wanted the acquittal vote to be on Friday night, and senators in both parties who wanted to hear closing arguments, take the weekend off, and hold the vote on a day that would not be overshadowed by another major news event, like the Iowa caucus.


cnbc--2020-01-31--Bloomberg's campaign spent over $180 million during his first month in the 2020 race

Democratic presidential candidate former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks during a “ United for Mike , ” event held at the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center and Tauber Academy Social Hall on January 26 , 2020 in Aventura , Florida .
Mike Bloomberg 's catch-up presidential campaign spent a colossal amount in the final quarter of 2019 in his bid to surpass Democratic rivals in the race to take on President Donald Trump .
Bloomberg 's campaign spent over $ 180 million during the period , according to a Federal Election Commission filing released Friday .
He launched his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November , several months after his fellow candidates joined the field , so his campaign was active for only about a month in the three-month period .
Bloomberg spent more during that month than any of his individual Democratic rivals have raised in total during the cycle .
The massive expenditure amount went toward TV ads , field staff and his technology firm , Hawkfish .
The record shows Bloomberg 's campaign spent over $ 11 million on the digital firm .
The company has become the primary digital ad agency for Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enormous spending spree , the amount the billionaire former New York mayor has given directly to his campaign shows why he will likely be able to stay in the race for a long time , regardless of where he stands in the polls .
The record shows Bloomberg contributed over $ 200 million to his campaign .
His campaign had $ 11 million on hand going into the year 2020 .
Bloombeg 's campaign said their first filing shows they have the resources to take on Trump .
`` Our first month 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all 50 states to defeat Donald Trump , and it shows we have the resources and plan necessary to take him on , '' Bloomberg 's campaign manager , Kevin Sheekey , said in a statement .
It is likely he will keep giving more money to his campaign .
Bloomberg has sworn off asking for donations , even though that had disqualified him from debates .
He could still make the debate stage in Nevada before the caucuses in that state in February , due to new guidelines released by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee had required primary contenders to reach a certain polling and donation threshold to qualify for the debates .
With all the money he 's spent , Bloomberg has surged into fourth place and moved ahead of former Mayor Pete Buttigieg , according to a RealClearPolitics polling average .
He 's still behind former Vice President Joe Biden , and Sens .
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren .
Bloomberg , whose net worth is just over $ 60 billion , has opted to skip the four early states primary and caucus states and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primaries , including those taking place on Super Tuesday , such as California , Texas and North Carolina .
He 's also been dominating in the digital platforms with ads , overtaking Trump himself in Google investments .
Bloomberg 's presence on air and online seems to have had an effect on Trump , who has lashed out on Twitter against him .

Democratic presidential candidate former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks during a “United for Mike,” event held at the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center and Tauber Academy Social Hall on January 26, 2020 in Aventura, Florida.
Mike Bloomberg's catch-up presidential campaign spent a colossal amount in the final quarter of 2019 in his bid to surpass Democratic rivals in the race to take on President Donald Trump.
Bloomberg's campaign spent over $180 million during the period, according to a Federal Election Commission filing released Friday.
He launched his bid for president at the end of November, several months after his fellow candidates joined the field, so his campaign was active for only about a month in the three-month period. Bloomberg spent more during that month than any of his individual Democratic rivals have raised in total during the cycle.
The massive expenditure amount went toward TV ads, field staff and his technology firm, Hawkfish. The record shows Bloomberg's campaign spent over $11 million on the digital firm. The company has become the primary digital ad agency for Bloomberg's operation.
Beyond his campaign's enormous spending spree, the amount the billionaire former New York mayor has given directly to his campaign shows why he will likely be able to stay in the race for a long time, regardless of where he stands in the polls. The record shows Bloomberg contributed over $200 million to his campaign. His campaign had $11 million on hand going into the year 2020.
Bloombeg's campaign said their first filing shows they have the resources to take on Trump.
"Our first month's filing represents a down payment and commitment in all 50 states to defeat Donald Trump, and it shows we have the resources and plan necessary to take him on," Bloomberg's campaign manager, Kevin Sheekey, said in a statement.
It is likely he will keep giving more money to his campaign. Bloomberg has sworn off asking for donations, even though that had disqualified him from debates. He could still make the debate stage in Nevada before the caucuses in that state in February, due to new guidelines released by the Democratic National Committee. The Democratic National Committee had required primary contenders to reach a certain polling and donation threshold to qualify for the debates.
With all the money he's spent, Bloomberg has surged into fourth place and moved ahead of former Mayor Pete Buttigieg, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average. He's still behind former Vice President Joe Biden, and Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Bloomberg, whose net worth is just over $60 billion, has opted to skip the four early states primary and caucus states and has instead put his resources toward delegate-rich primaries, including those taking place on Super Tuesday, such as California, Texas and North Carolina.
He's also been dominating in the digital platforms with ads, overtaking Trump himself in Google investments.
Bloomberg's presence on air and online seems to have had an effect on Trump, who has lashed out on Twitter against him.
Tweet


cnbc--2020-01-31--Pro-Trump America First groups raise $50 million with $42 million on hand going into 2020

US President Donald Trump speaks about the United States - Mexico - Canada agreement , known as USMCA , during a visit to Dana Incorporated , an auto supplier manufacturer , in Warren , Michigan , January 30 , 2020 .
Pro-Trump outside groups America First Action and America First Policies combined to raise $ 50.4 million in 2019 giving the president a boost going into an election year .
President Donald Trump , whose campaign raised $ 46 million last quarter , will also be seeing an advantage from his flagship super PAC in 2020 with America First Action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , according to the groups ' spokeswoman .
The nonprofit , America First Policies , which focuses on promoting many of the president 's policy accomplishments , brought in $ 31 million .
The two organizations combined have $ 42 million on hand .
The spokeswoman , Kelly Sadler , also noted they have $ 48 million in outstanding donor pledges .
The success of these external organizations comes as Trump has been on trial for impeachment in the Senate and while he looks to move ahead with a variety of policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' trade deal with China .
`` America First Action is well-positioned to help the President deliver a crushing victory in 2020 .
All of our operating expenses have been covered for this year , so every penny we raise from this point out will be used to hammer our Democratic opponent and advance the President 's agenda .
No other outside group is more ready and able to help the President win reelection , '' America First Action 's chairwoman , Linda McMahon , said in a statement .
McMahon resigned as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
We have $ 48 million in outstanding donor pledges .
Combining our year end fundraising , fundraising to date and total pledges , this places us at $ 106 million , well on our way to achieve our fundraising goal for the election year .
Some of the top donors to the PAC from July until the end of the year include UFC President Dana White , who gave $ 1 million , Richard DeVos , husband of Secretary of Education , Betsy DeVos , and venture capitalist Walter Buckley .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended a UFC match in November , however , White continues to be a staunch defender of the president .
More details on the super PAC 's activity will be revealed by the end of Friday 's filing deadline .
Full list of donors to America First Action ( 7/1-12/31 ) :

US President Donald Trump speaks about the United States - Mexico - Canada agreement, known as USMCA, during a visit to Dana Incorporated, an auto supplier manufacturer, in Warren, Michigan, January 30, 2020.
Pro-Trump outside groups America First Action and America First Policies combined to raise $50.4 million in 2019 giving the president a boost going into an election year.
President Donald Trump, whose campaign raised $46 million last quarter, will also be seeing an advantage from his flagship super PAC in 2020 with America First Action finishing 2019 raising just over $19 million, according to the groups' spokeswoman. The nonprofit, America First Policies, which focuses on promoting many of the president's policy accomplishments, brought in $31 million. The two organizations combined have $42 million on hand.
The spokeswoman, Kelly Sadler, also noted they have $48 million in outstanding donor pledges.
The success of these external organizations comes as Trump has been on trial for impeachment in the Senate and while he looks to move ahead with a variety of policy goals, including a "phase two" trade deal with China.
"America First Action is well-positioned to help the President deliver a crushing victory in 2020. All of our operating expenses have been covered for this year, so every penny we raise from this point out will be used to hammer our Democratic opponent and advance the President's agenda. No other outside group is more ready and able to help the President win reelection," America First Action's chairwoman, Linda McMahon, said in a statement.
McMahon resigned as head of the Small Business Administration in March.
We have $48 million in outstanding donor pledges. Combining our year end fundraising, fundraising to date and total pledges, this places us at $106 million, well on our way to achieve our fundraising goal for the election year.
Some of the top donors to the PAC from July until the end of the year include UFC President Dana White, who gave $1 million, Richard DeVos, husband of Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, and venture capitalist Walter Buckley. Trump was met with boos when he attended a UFC match in November, however, White continues to be a staunch defender of the president.
More details on the super PAC's activity will be revealed by the end of Friday's filing deadline.
Full list of donors to America First Action (7/1-12/31):
Linda McMahon $1.74M
Dana White $1M
Ronald Cameron $800K
Eliezer Scheiner $750K
Walter Buckley $640K
Elizabeth Uihlein $525K
Warren Stephens $500K
Richard DeVos $400K
Cherna Moskowitz $300K
Foster Friess $250,000
Mark Stitzer $250K


cnbc--2020-01-31--Murkowski to vote against witnesses in Trump trial, likely dooming Dem push for Bolton testimony

Senator Lisa Murkowski , a Republican from Alaska , walks through the Senate Subway of the U.S. Capitol in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Thursday , Jan. 30 , 2020 .
`` I worked for a fair , honest , and transparent process , modeled after the Clinton trial , to provide ample time for both sides to present their cases , ask thoughtful questions , and determine whether we need more , '' the Alaska senator said in a statement .
WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Friday she will vote against admitting additional evidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decision that apparently kills Democrats ' hopes of winning over four Republicans and adding a witness phase to the trial .
`` The House chose to send articles of impeachment that are rushed and flawed .
I carefully considered the need for additional witnesses and documents , to cure the shortcomings of its process , but ultimately decided that I will vote against considering motions to subpoena . ''
Within minutes of Murkowski 's statement , another Republican senator , Rob Portman of Ohio , confirmed he will vote against admitting additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Democrats to be a longshot possibility to break with his party and join them in voting yes .
`` I do not believe that additional witnesses are needed , '' Portman said in a statement .
`` I believe that some of the president 's actions in this case were wrong and inappropriate .
But I do not believe that the president 's actions rise to the level of removing a duly-elected president from office . ''
The expected Senate vote later in the day represents a pivotal moment in the proceedings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's acquittal .
Democrats , led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House impeachment manager Adam Schiff of California have battled to persuade the Republican-led chamber to vote to hear from key witnesses who did not testify in the House .
But after more than a week of trading barbs with Trump 's defense team on the Senate floor , there does n't appear to be any real chance that they will secure the 51 votes required to pass a rule that would introduce new witnesses and documents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had hoped they could persuade a few Republicans to seek the testimony of John Bolton , Trump 's former national security advisor .
Bolton reportedly wrote in a manuscript of a memoir that Trump told him last summer he intended to withhold nearly $ 400 million in U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine until Kyiv agreed to announce investigations into the president 's political opponents .
The House voted to impeach Trump in December on two articles , abuse of power and obstruction of Congress , both stemming from Trump 's handling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton as a crucial missing piece of the puzzle about what happened last year with Ukraine .
Bolton has also said he would be willing to testify , something other officials , like acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney , have not .
But a victory in Friday 's vote appeared to slip away from Democrats with Murkowski 's decision .
On Thursday , GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee , another Democratic target for a yes vote , said that although he believed the president had indeed solicited foreign assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's behavior did not meet the standard for impeachment .
As such , Alexander said he did n't see the need for further evidence .
Only two Republican senators appear to be prepared to break with their party and vote with Democrats to admit more evidence : Susan Collins of Maine and Utah 's Mitt Romney .
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate , meaning at least four GOP senators would have had to buck their party leaders and vote for a resolution to admit additional witnesses and documents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This next phase of Trump 's impeachment trial gets underway Friday with up to four hours of equally divided time allotted for senators to debate , before votes are called on amendments , including whether or not to subpoena witnesses and allow additional documents .
Senators in each party are not required to use up their entire two hours , so the timing of Friday 's votes will remain fluid throughout the afternoon .
`` I worked for a fair , honest , and transparent process , modeled after the Clinton trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides to present their cases , ask thoughtful questions , and determine whether we need more .
`` The House chose to send articles of impeachment that are rushed and flawed .
I carefully considered the need for additional witnesses and documents , to cure the shortcomings of its process , but ultimately decided that I will vote against considering motions to subpoena .
`` Given the partisan nature of this impeachment from the very beginning and throughout , I have come to the conclusion that there will be no fair trial in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continuation of this process will change anything .
It is sad for me to admit that , as an institution , the Congress has failed .
`` It has also become clear some of my colleagues intend to further politicize this process , and drag the Supreme Court into the fray , while attacking the Chief Justice .
I will not stand for nor support that effort .
We have already degraded this institution for partisan political benefit , and I will not enable those who wish to pull down another .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of division in this country . ''

Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, walks through the Senate Subway of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020.
"I worked for a fair, honest, and transparent process, modeled after the Clinton trial, to provide ample time for both sides to present their cases, ask thoughtful questions, and determine whether we need more," the Alaska senator said in a statement.
WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Friday she will vote against admitting additional evidence in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, a decision that apparently kills Democrats' hopes of winning over four Republicans and adding a witness phase to the trial.
"The House chose to send articles of impeachment that are rushed and flawed. I carefully considered the need for additional witnesses and documents, to cure the shortcomings of its process, but ultimately decided that I will vote against considering motions to subpoena."
Within minutes of Murkowski's statement, another Republican senator, Rob Portman of Ohio, confirmed he will vote against admitting additional evidence. Portman had once been considered by Democrats to be a longshot possibility to break with his party and join them in voting yes.
"I do not believe that additional witnesses are needed," Portman said in a statement. "I believe that some of the president's actions in this case were wrong and inappropriate. But I do not believe that the president's actions rise to the level of removing a duly-elected president from office."
The expected Senate vote later in the day represents a pivotal moment in the proceedings that could pave the way for Trump's acquittal.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House impeachment manager Adam Schiff of California have battled to persuade the Republican-led chamber to vote to hear from key witnesses who did not testify in the House.
But after more than a week of trading barbs with Trump's defense team on the Senate floor, there doesn't appear to be any real chance that they will secure the 51 votes required to pass a rule that would introduce new witnesses and documents.
More than any other individual, Democrats had hoped they could persuade a few Republicans to seek the testimony of John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor.
Bolton reportedly wrote in a manuscript of a memoir that Trump told him last summer he intended to withhold nearly $400 million in U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine until Kyiv agreed to announce investigations into the president's political opponents. The House voted to impeach Trump in December on two articles, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, both stemming from Trump's handling of the U.S. relationship with Ukraine.
Democrats see Bolton as a crucial missing piece of the puzzle about what happened last year with Ukraine. Bolton has also said he would be willing to testify, something other officials, like acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, have not.
But a victory in Friday's vote appeared to slip away from Democrats with Murkowski's decision.
On Thursday, GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, another Democratic target for a yes vote, said that although he believed the president had indeed solicited foreign assistance from Ukraine in his reelection bid, Trump's behavior did not meet the standard for impeachment. As such, Alexander said he didn't see the need for further evidence.
Only two Republican senators appear to be prepared to break with their party and vote with Democrats to admit more evidence: Susan Collins of Maine and Utah's Mitt Romney.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning at least four GOP senators would have had to buck their party leaders and vote for a resolution to admit additional witnesses and documents. A conviction and removal requires 67 votes.
This next phase of Trump's impeachment trial gets underway Friday with up to four hours of equally divided time allotted for senators to debate, before votes are called on amendments, including whether or not to subpoena witnesses and allow additional documents. Senators in each party are not required to use up their entire two hours, so the timing of Friday's votes will remain fluid throughout the afternoon.
Here's the text of Murkowski's statement:


cnbc--2020-01-31--Democrats ditch donor requirement for debates, meaning Bloomberg could qualify

Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg , a democratic presidential candidate , attends the U.S Conference of Mayors 88th Winter Meeting in Washington , D.C , January 22 , 2020 .
The Democratic National Committee unveiled new debate rules on Friday that drop the requirement that candidates obtain a minimum number of campaign contributors , opening the door for former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg to take the debate stage .
The new rules will apply to the ninth Democratic presidential debate , which is scheduled for Feb. 19 in Nevada .
To qualify for the debate , candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first contests taking place in Iowa and New Hampshire next week or receive 10 % or more in at least four DNC-approved polls released between Jan. 15 and Feb. 18 .
Candidates may also qualify by receiving 12 % or more support in two state polls of Nevada or South Carolina , the third and fourth states to award delegates in the Democratic primary .
Bloomberg , a billionaire who has spent more than $ 200 million to fund campaign advertisements so far , is not competing in the first four states and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is polling in fourth place in national surveys , earning approximately 8 % support .
`` We are thrilled that voters could soon have the chance to see Mike Bloomberg on the debate stage , hear his vision for the country , and see why he is the strongest candidate to defeat Donald Trump and bring our country together , '' said Bloomberg campaign manager Kevin Sheekey .
The only candidates that are currently qualified for the Nevada debate are former Vice President Joe Biden , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next Democratic debate will take place Feb. 7 in New Hampshire .
Seven candidates have qualified for that debate , including former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg , entrepreneur Andrew Yang , the activist and businessman Tom Steyer , and Sen. Amy Klobuchar , in addition to the three who have already qualified for Nevada .
Bloomberg 's rivals in the race immediately pounced on the DNC for changing up the debate rules .
Sanders ' campaign manager , Faiz Shakir , said in a tweet that that DNC was `` changing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I much prefer Democrats being a grassroots party .
And under Bernie Sanders , that 's the way it will be , '' he said .
S.Y .
Lee , national press secretary for Yang , said in a statement that it was a `` mistake for the DNC to change the rules for debates in the middle of this race to yield to a billionaire . ''
`` We need to respect the grassroots movement leading this party forward , '' Lee said .
The other major candidates declined or did @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, a democratic presidential candidate, attends the U.S Conference of Mayors 88th Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C, January 22, 2020.
The Democratic National Committee unveiled new debate rules on Friday that drop the requirement that candidates obtain a minimum number of campaign contributors, opening the door for former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg to take the debate stage.
The new rules will apply to the ninth Democratic presidential debate, which is scheduled for Feb. 19 in Nevada.
To qualify for the debate, candidates must either win a delegate during the first contests taking place in Iowa and New Hampshire next week or receive 10% or more in at least four DNC-approved polls released between Jan. 15 and Feb. 18.
Candidates may also qualify by receiving 12% or more support in two state polls of Nevada or South Carolina, the third and fourth states to award delegates in the Democratic primary.
Bloomberg, a billionaire who has spent more than $200 million to fund campaign advertisements so far, is not competing in the first four states and is not accepting campaign contributions. He is polling in fourth place in national surveys, earning approximately 8% support.
"We are thrilled that voters could soon have the chance to see Mike Bloomberg on the debate stage, hear his vision for the country, and see why he is the strongest candidate to defeat Donald Trump and bring our country together," said Bloomberg campaign manager Kevin Sheekey.
The only candidates that are currently qualified for the Nevada debate are former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. The next Democratic debate will take place Feb. 7 in New Hampshire.


cnbc--2020-01-31--Trump impeachment trial: Key vote on witnesses could lay the groundwork for a speedy acquittal

Senators are set to vote Friday on whether to include new witnesses and documents in President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial , a pivotal moment in the proceedings that could pave the way for Trump 's acquittal .
Democrats , led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff of California have fought tooth and nail to convince the Republican-led chamber to vote to hear from key witnesses who did not testify in the House .
But after more than a week of trading barbs with Trump 's defense team on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democrats will secure the 51 votes required to pass a rule that would introduce new witnesses and documents .
If the rule were to pass , Democrats would almost certainly seek to compel testimony from acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney , and from John Bolton , Trump 's former national security advisor .
Bolton reportedly wrote in his forthcoming memoir that Trump told him last summer that he intended to withhold nearly $ 400 million in U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine until Kyiv agreed to announce investigations into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted to impeach Trump in December on two articles , abuse of power and obstruction of Congress , both stemming from Trump 's handling of the U.S. relationship with Ukraine .
Democrats see both of these witnesses as crucial to successfully proving the two main allegations contained in the impeachment articles .
Without them , Democrats see little chance of ever overcoming the wave of Republican opposition to convicting Trump and removing him from office .
Trump has denied any wrongdoing .
A victory in Friday 's vote appeared to slip further away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key Republican senator announced that he would oppose any attempts to introduce new evidence at the trial .
In a statement , GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said that although he believed the president had indeed solicited foreign assistance from Ukraine in his reelection bid , Trump 's behavior did not meet the standard for impeachment .
As such , Alexander said he did n't see the need for further evidence .
Another Republican , Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said Thursday that she planned to break with her party and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , an aide to Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , also confirmed that he would vote with the Democrats .
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate , meaning at least four GOP senators will have to break with their party and vote for a resolution to admit additional witnesses and documents into the trial .
Collins and Romney had already been factored into Democrats ' planning for the vote , however , and they remained two Republican votes short of a majority as of late Friday morning .
This next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway Friday at 1 p.m .
ET , with up to four hours of equally divided time allotted for senators to debate , before votes are called on amendments , including whether or not to subpoena witnesses and additional documents .
Senators in each party are not required to use up their entire two hours , so the timing of Friday 's votes will remain fluid throughout the afternoon .
If the proposal to admit new witnesses does n't pass , which looks increasingly likely , then Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether to convict or acquit the president as early as Friday evening .
The trial schedule is complicated by two major events early next week : The 2020 Iowa caucuses on Monday , and the president 's State of the Union address on Tuesday night .
McConnell has made no secret of his desire to conclude the Senate trial as soon as he can .
But the Iowa caucuses and the State of the Union mean that if a Friday vote on acquittal is n't feasible , the vote would need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , this would mean that he had to deliver his State of the Union address under a cloud of impeachment , and not under the glow of acquittal , as he would if the Senate voted before his speech .
As McConnell arrived at the Capitol on Friday morning , he declined to specify how he thought the day would progress .
`` I think we can all agree this is a big day , '' McConnell said .

Senators are set to vote Friday on whether to include new witnesses and documents in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, a pivotal moment in the proceedings that could pave the way for Trump's acquittal.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff of California have fought tooth and nail to convince the Republican-led chamber to vote to hear from key witnesses who did not testify in the House.
But after more than a week of trading barbs with Trump's defense team on the Senate floor, it appears unlikely that the Democrats will secure the 51 votes required to pass a rule that would introduce new witnesses and documents.
If the rule were to pass, Democrats would almost certainly seek to compel testimony from acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, and from John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor.
Bolton reportedly wrote in his forthcoming memoir that Trump told him last summer that he intended to withhold nearly $400 million in U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine until Kyiv agreed to announce investigations into the president's political opponents. The House voted to impeach Trump in December on two articles, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, both stemming from Trump's handling of the U.S. relationship with Ukraine.
Democrats see both of these witnesses as crucial to successfully proving the two main allegations contained in the impeachment articles. Without them, Democrats see little chance of ever overcoming the wave of Republican opposition to convicting Trump and removing him from office. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
A victory in Friday's vote appeared to slip further away from Democrats late Thursday night, after a key Republican senator announced that he would oppose any attempts to introduce new evidence at the trial.
In a statement, GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said that although he believed the president had indeed solicited foreign assistance from Ukraine in his reelection bid, Trump's behavior did not meet the standard for impeachment. As such, Alexander said he didn't see the need for further evidence.
Another Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said Thursday that she planned to break with her party and vote for additional witnesses. On Friday morning, an aide to Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, also confirmed that he would vote with the Democrats.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning at least four GOP senators will have to break with their party and vote for a resolution to admit additional witnesses and documents into the trial.
Collins and Romney had already been factored into Democrats' planning for the vote, however, and they remained two Republican votes short of a majority as of late Friday morning.
This next phase of Trump's impeachment trial gets underway Friday at 1 p.m. ET, with up to four hours of equally divided time allotted for senators to debate, before votes are called on amendments, including whether or not to subpoena witnesses and additional documents. Senators in each party are not required to use up their entire two hours, so the timing of Friday's votes will remain fluid throughout the afternoon.
If the proposal to admit new witnesses doesn't pass, which looks increasingly likely, then Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could decide to proceed to a final vote on whether to convict or acquit the president as early as Friday evening. The trial schedule is complicated by two major events early next week: The 2020 Iowa caucuses on Monday, and the president's State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
McConnell has made no secret of his desire to conclude the Senate trial as soon as he can. But the Iowa caucuses and the State of the Union mean that if a Friday vote on acquittal isn't feasible, the vote would need to be delayed until Wednesday. For the president, this would mean that he had to deliver his State of the Union address under a cloud of impeachment, and not under the glow of acquittal, as he would if the Senate voted before his speech.
As McConnell arrived at the Capitol on Friday morning, he declined to specify how he thought the day would progress. "I think we can all agree this is a big day," McConnell said.


cnbc--2020-01-31--Trump rolls back Obama-era restrictions on land mines

Smoke rises from minefield in Telelverid region after Peshmerga forces detonated landmines placed by DAESH forces to intervene the passing of Peshmergas during an operation against Daesh terrorists in the outskirts of Kirkuk , Iraq on September 30 , 2015 .
President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Defense to roll back restrictions on the use of land mines , the White House announced on Friday .
The decision will reverse a 2014 policy that limited the use of the explosive devices to the Korean peninsula .
The new policy will enable the use of anti-personnel land mines elsewhere in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The White House said the new policy will apply to `` advanced , non-persistent '' landmines that are `` specifically designed to reduce unintended harm to civilians and partner forces . ''
Non-persistent landmines typically self-destruct , though some experts have questioned their effectiveness .
Anti-personnel land mines that do not self-destruct are banned by more than 150 countries because of their tendency to inflict civilian casualties , often years after they are used in conflict .
`` The Department of Defense has determined that restrictions imposed on American forces by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a severe disadvantage during a conflict against our adversaries , '' White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement .
`` The President is unwilling to accept this risk to our troops . ''
Defense Secretary Mark Esper described land mines as an `` important tool '' during a press conference Friday at the Pentagon alongside his Italian counterpart .
`` That said , in everything we do we also want to make sure that these instruments , in this case land mines , also take into account both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians and others after a conflict , '' Esper said .
Some lawmakers pushed back against administration over its decision to roll back its land mine restrictions .
Sen. Patrick Leahy , D-Vt. , who has pushed to end the global use of anti-personnel land mines , said in a statement that the move was `` as perplexing as it is disappointing , and reflexive , and unwise . ''
`` The White House claims that the previous policy put our military at a 'severe disadvantage against our adversaries . '
That case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limiting their use to Korea was adopted in 2014 , and it has not been made today , '' Leahy said .

Smoke rises from minefield in Telelverid region after Peshmerga forces detonated landmines placed by DAESH forces to intervene the passing of Peshmergas during an operation against Daesh terrorists in the outskirts of Kirkuk, Iraq on September 30, 2015.
President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Defense to roll back restrictions on the use of land mines, the White House announced on Friday.
The decision will reverse a 2014 policy that limited the use of the explosive devices to the Korean peninsula. The new policy will enable the use of anti-personnel land mines elsewhere in the world in "exceptional circumstances."
The White House said the new policy will apply to "advanced, non-persistent" landmines that are "specifically designed to reduce unintended harm to civilians and partner forces." Non-persistent landmines typically self-destruct, though some experts have questioned their effectiveness.
Anti-personnel land mines that do not self-destruct are banned by more than 150 countries because of their tendency to inflict civilian casualties, often years after they are used in conflict.
"The Department of Defense has determined that restrictions imposed on American forces by the Obama Administration's policy could place them at a severe disadvantage during a conflict against our adversaries," White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. "The President is unwilling to accept this risk to our troops."
Defense Secretary Mark Esper described land mines as an "important tool" during a press conference Friday at the Pentagon alongside his Italian counterpart.
"That said, in everything we do we also want to make sure that these instruments, in this case land mines, also take into account both the safety of employment and the safety to civilians and others after a conflict," Esper said.
Some lawmakers pushed back against administration over its decision to roll back its land mine restrictions.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who has pushed to end the global use of anti-personnel land mines, said in a statement that the move was "as perplexing as it is disappointing, and reflexive, and unwise."
"The White House claims that the previous policy put our military at a 'severe disadvantage against our adversaries.' That case was not made convincingly when the policy limiting their use to Korea was adopted in 2014, and it has not been made today," Leahy said.


cnbc--2020-01-31--Facebook refutes Soros claim of a 'special relationship' between Trump and Zuckerberg

Facebook co-founder , Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill April 11 , 2018 in Washington , DC .
Facebook on Friday issued a statement renouncing recent allegations by liberal financier George Soros that there is a `` special relationship '' forming between the social media company and President Donald Trump .
`` While we respect Mr. Soros ' right to voice his opinion , he 's wrong , '' a spokesman for Facebook said .
`` The notion that we are aligned with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our values and the facts .
We continue making unprecedented investments to keep our platform safe , fight foreign interference in elections around the world , and combat misinformation . ''
The tech company issued the statement following recent comments by Soros alleging that the there is `` an informal mutual assistance operation or agreement developing between Trump and Facebook . ''
Soros made the comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , last week , and he followed them up on Friday in an opinion piece on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Brad Parscale , the digital director of Mr. Trump 's 2016 campaign and now his campaign manager for 2020 , said that Facebook helped Mr. Trump and gave him the edge .
This seems to have marked the beginning of a special relationship . ''
He continued , `` Facebook will help President Trump to get re-elected and Mr. Trump will , in turn , defend Facebook against attacks from regulators and the media . ''
In his piece , Soros highlighted a September 2019 White House meeting between Facebook CEO Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that neither Zuckerberg nor Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg should be left in control of the social media company .

Facebook co-founder, Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill April 11, 2018 in Washington, DC.
Facebook on Friday issued a statement renouncing recent allegations by liberal financier George Soros that there is a "special relationship" forming between the social media company and President Donald Trump.
"While we respect Mr. Soros' right to voice his opinion, he's wrong," a spokesman for Facebook said. "The notion that we are aligned with any one political figure or party runs counter to our values and the facts. We continue making unprecedented investments to keep our platform safe, fight foreign interference in elections around the world, and combat misinformation."
The tech company issued the statement following recent comments by Soros alleging that the there is "an informal mutual assistance operation or agreement developing between Trump and Facebook." Soros made the comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week, and he followed them up on Friday in an opinion piece on the New York Times.


cnbc--2020-01-31--Trump's Mar-a-Lago security breach: Officials shoot Connecticut woman's SUV after she crashes throug

Trump's Mar-a-Lago security breach: Officials shoot Connecticut woman's SUV after she crashes through checkpoints

Law enforcement officers fired multiple shots at a vehicle that crashed through two security checkpoints Friday at President Donald Trump 's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida , police said .
Two women were taken into custody shortly after the incident at the Palm Beach resort , which Trump is scheduled to visit later Friday , the Palm Beach County Sheriff 's Department said .
The incident does not appear related to terrorism , and no one was injured , officials said .
Police said they arrested a 30-year-old Connecticut resident , Hannah Roemhild , who allegedly was driving the SUV alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crashed through the barriers at speeds in excess of 70 mph , driving on the wrong side of the road .
Charges against her are pending .
Roemhild had been seen at another nearby resort behaving oddly shortly before leading a police officer on a chase that continued into Mar-a-Lago .
Police say she may have been impaired .
She eventually was spotted and tackled by police at a nearby motel .
Roemhild 's social media accounts indicate that she is a professional opera singer .
Her most recent Instagram post is from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post was taken in Palm Beach , Florida .
The other woman taken into custody , whose name was not released , appears to have been picked up by Roemhild after she drove the SUV away from Mar-a-Lago .
Roemhild 's vehicle , which was rented , had multiple gunshots marks on it , police said .
Roemhild does not seem to have a criminal history .
The incident is under investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff 's Department , the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI .

Law enforcement officers fired multiple shots at a vehicle that crashed through two security checkpoints Friday at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, police said.
Two women were taken into custody shortly after the incident at the Palm Beach resort, which Trump is scheduled to visit later Friday, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department said.
The incident does not appear related to terrorism, and no one was injured, officials said.
Police said they arrested a 30-year-old Connecticut resident, Hannah Roemhild, who allegedly was driving the SUV alone, without a passenger, when it crashed through the barriers at speeds in excess of 70 mph, driving on the wrong side of the road. Charges against her are pending.
Roemhild had been seen at another nearby resort behaving oddly shortly before leading a police officer on a chase that continued into Mar-a-Lago. Police say she may have been impaired.
She eventually was spotted and tackled by police at a nearby motel.
Twitter
Roemhild's social media accounts indicate that she is a professional opera singer. Her most recent Instagram post is from Thursday, and says the photo for the post was taken in Palm Beach, Florida.
The other woman taken into custody, whose name was not released, appears to have been picked up by Roemhild after she drove the SUV away from Mar-a-Lago.
Roemhild's vehicle, which was rented, had multiple gunshots marks on it, police said.
Roemhild does not seem to have a criminal history.
The incident is under investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department, the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI.


cnbc--2020-01-31--Rep. Jerry Nadler leaves Trump impeachment trial to be with his wife as she battles cancer

WASHINGTON — House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler , one of the lead architects of Democrats ' impeachment case against President Donald Trump , announced Friday that he would not be present for the final phase of Trump 's Senate trial .
`` I am sorry to not be able to stay in Washington for the conclusion of the Senate impeachment trial but I need to be home with my wife at this time , '' Nadler wrote in a tweet Friday .
`` We have many decisions to make as a family .
I have every faith in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do what is right . ''
Less than a week earlier , Nadler , D-N.Y. , issued a statement explaining that his wife had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December .
`` She has undergone surgery and is taking further steps to address the spread of the cancer , '' Nadler said on Jan. 26 .
`` On Monday , I will be in New York with her to meet with doctors , determine a path forward , and begin her treatment .
I am sorry to miss some of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance to our democracy .
I plan to return to Washington late Monday and appreciate the support of my colleagues and staff as I take this time to be with my wife and begin the long fight against her cancer . ''
Nadler , along with House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , has led the impeachment managers as they laid out their case in the Senate for Trump 's conviction and removal from office .
He offered the Democrats ' closing statement in the proceedings Thursday night , hours before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to subpoena new witnesses and documents in the trial .

WASHINGTON — House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler, one of the lead architects of Democrats' impeachment case against President Donald Trump, announced Friday that he would not be present for the final phase of Trump's Senate trial.
"I am sorry to not be able to stay in Washington for the conclusion of the Senate impeachment trial but I need to be home with my wife at this time," Nadler wrote in a tweet Friday. "We have many decisions to make as a family. I have every faith in my colleagues and hope the Senate will do what is right."
Less than a week earlier, Nadler, D-N.Y., issued a statement explaining that his wife had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December.
"She has undergone surgery and is taking further steps to address the spread of the cancer," Nadler said on Jan. 26. "On Monday, I will be in New York with her to meet with doctors, determine a path forward, and begin her treatment. I am sorry to miss some of the Senate Impeachment Trial, which is of critical importance to our democracy. I plan to return to Washington late Monday and appreciate the support of my colleagues and staff as I take this time to be with my wife and begin the long fight against her cancer."
Nadler, along with House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., has led the impeachment managers as they laid out their case in the Senate for Trump's conviction and removal from office.
He offered the Democrats' closing statement in the proceedings Thursday night, hours before the Senate was expected to vote on whether to subpoena new witnesses and documents in the trial.