BIDEN — DON’T LET IMPEACHMENT IMPEDE CONFIRMATIONS: In the wake of the historic second impeachment of President Trump, President-elect Joe Biden is calling on the soon-to-be Democratic-controlled Senate to confirm quickly his Cabinet nominees who are responsible for protecting the nation and battling the coronavirus pandemic.

Following the 232-197 vote in the House, in which 10 Republicans joined Democrats, the single article of impeachment on the charge of “incitement of insurrection” goes to the Senate for trial, but not until next week, just as Trump leaves office, setting up a constitutional debate over whether a president can be convicted after he becomes a private citizen. Outgoing Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement saying there is “no chance a fair and serious trial” could be conducted before Trump leaves office.