The U.S. Senate voted 56-44 to proceed with Donald Trump's second impeachment trial. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) was one of six Republicans to cross the aisle and vote to continue with the trial.
"A sufficient amount of constitutionality exists for the Senate to proceed with the trial," Cassidy said after the vote. "This vote is not a final vote to convict."
The Louisiana Republican Party was critical of Cassidy's vote.
"We feel that an impeachment trial of a private citizen is not only an unconstitutional act, but also an attack on the very foundation of American democracy, which will have far reaching and unforeseen consequences for our republic," said a statement from the Louisiana Republican Party.
"We salute Senator John Kennedy for remaining steadfast in his opposition," the statement continued, concluding "Senator Kennedy has clearly made the right decision once again."
"If anyone disagrees with my vote and would like an explanation, I ask them to listen to the arguments presented by the House Managers and former President Trump's lawyers," said Cassidy. "The House managers had much stronger constitutional arguments. The president's team did not."
