A vote on witnesses, expected Friday, could lead to an abrupt end and assured acquittal in only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. Trump was pressing for action in time for his State of the Union address, and that now seems likely. As the Senate adjourned late Thursday, it set the date for Tuesday night's speech.
Collins, Alexander and Sen. Lisa Murkowski were playing an outsized role in the final hours of debate with pointed questions. Another Republican senator, Mitt Romney, has made clear he will vote for witnesses.
Murkowski is expected to announce her decision ahead of voting on Friday.
Read More: Alexander To Vote Against Witnesses; Trump Impeachment Trial Could End Friday (via NPR.org)