By Allan Smith and Frank Thorp V
Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress went toe-to-toe Thursday as a standoff unfolded over the next steps in President Donald Trump's impeachment.
Speaking to reporters, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — who must send the two House-passed articles of impeachment to the Senate before a trial of the president can begin — said she had no intention of taking action until she heard from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., about his plans.
Pelosi, D-Calif., said she will move forward "when we see the process set forth in the Senate."
Earlier, McConnell said Pelosi "may be too afraid" to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
McConnell, speaking on the Senate floor, also lambasted the impeachment as "the most rushed, least thorough, and most unfair ... in modern history." He said Pelosi "gave in to a temptation" and that the House impeached Trump "simply because they disagree with a presidential act."