McConnell backs off, abruptly eases impeachment trial limits

LISA MASCARO, ERIC TUCKER and ZEKE MILLER Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell abruptly backed off some of his proposed rules for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Tuesday, easing plans for a tight two-day schedule and agreeing that House evidence will be included. He acted after protests from senators, including fellow Republicans. The trial quickly burst into a partisan fight at the Capitol as the president's lawyers opened arguments in support of McConnell's plan. Democrats objected loudly to his initial rules, and some Republicans then made their concerns known in private at a GOP lunch. Without comment, the Republican leader submitted an amended proposal after meeting behind closed doors with his senators as the trial opened. The