The Republican-controlled U.S.
Senate rejected
Democratic efforts on Tuesday to obtain evidence and call witnesses in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, an early sign the proceeding could advance along lines favorable to Trump.
As the third impeachment trial in U.S. history began in earnest, senators voted along party lines, 53-47, to block three separate motions from Democratic leader Chuck Schumer to subpoena records and documents from the White House, the State Department and the Office of Management and Budget related to Trump's dealings with Ukraine.
Senators also rejected by the same tally a request for a subpoena seeking the testimony of acting
White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.