(Getty Images)
By Catherine Ann Buckler
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As the impeachment process moves forward, the Senate is preparing its trial to decide whether or not to convict President Trump and remove him from office.
New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan spoke with WBZ NewsRadio's Deb Lawler on the next steps in the impeachment process.
"This is a very somber time for our country," Hassan said. "Both House members and senators take an oath of office that says we're going to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. We take that seriously."
Moving forward, Hassan hopes her fellow jurors enter the trial ready to hear facts and decide on evidence that will be presented.
"I think we need a timely, full, and fair trial," Hassan said.
She's worried about those who will not listen to testimony because they already believe the president did not commit any crimes.
"That is concerning because we will all be taking an oath of jurors... that says we are going to be impartial," Hassan said. "So if my colleagues are now stating that they don't intend to comply with the oath that they're taking, that concerns me."
Hassan hopes there is a process developed in the Senate that allows people "to hear from as many [witnesses]" before deciding on keeping President Trump in office," despite the White House claiming they don't have to comply with Democrats' witness demands.
"I hope all Americans will take the opportunity to read transcripts, read the Intelligence Committee report, read the Articles of Impeachment, and follow what happens in the Senate and make up their own mind," Hassan said. "At the end of the day, this is about making sure that we protect our Constitution and our national security."
The trial is expected to start in January. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would announce the start date for the trial. McConnell tweeted that he believes "House Democrats passed the thinnest, weakest presidential impeachment in American history."
The vote for impeachment was split along party lines, 230-197 on the first article on abuse of power. The second article, obstruction of congress, totaled 229-198.
Massachusetts Democrats in the Senate have weighed in on the impeachment vote as well.
"Donald Trump has abused our diplomatic relationships and undermined our national security for his own personal, political gain. By voting to impeach him, the House has taken an important step to hold him accountable," Sen. Elizabeth Warren said on Twitter. "I'm ready to fulfill my constitutional duty in the Senate."
Sen. Ed Markey tweeted, "President Trump brought this impeachment upon himself and the evidence that he abused his power is overwhelming. My colleagues in the Senate and I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. As jurors, that is exactly what we are going to do."
WBZ NewsRadio's Deb Lawler reports:
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App