In the News Reporter’s Notebook: Where Pelosi, Senate may stand with Trump impeachment trial in limbo
However, James Wallner of the R Street Institute argued the Senate could alter impeachment rules at any time. “Article I, section 5, clause 2 of the Constitution empowers the Senate to determine its impeachment rules. Prior to 1999, the Senate routinely changed those rules when not sitting on an impeachment trial. It is therefore in order for senators to vote on proposals, such as that offered by Sen. Hawley, to change the rules before a trial begins.”