Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), one of the House impeachment managers, left the Senate impeachment trial against President Donald Trump to be with his cancer-stricken wife.
Nadler, 72, the House Judiciary Chairman, said in a statement on Friday morning that he wouldn’t be able to stay for the trial that was set to re-start at 1 p.m.
“I am sorry to not be able to stay in Washington for the conclusion of the Senate impeachment trial but I need to be home with my wife at this time. We have many decisions to make as a family,” Nadler said.
“I have every faith in my colleagues and hope the Senate will do what is right.”
Nadler made the final arguments for the impeachment managers late Thursday before the trial’s question-and-answer session concluded. Nadler has pushed senators to vote for hearing from additional witnesses in the trial but the Republican-held Senate was expected later Friday to vote against hearing from any more witnesses or seeking any more documents.
Nadler’s wife, Joyce Miller, is stricken with cancer. He’s missed several other days to help care for her.
Nadler missed a procedural vote in the House Rules Committee in December 2019. He missed part of the trial on Jan. 27.
“My wife was admitted to the hospital where she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She has undergone surgery and is taking further steps to address the spread of the cancer,” Nadler said at the time, adding that he would be in New York to meet with his wife’s doctors.
“I am sorry to miss some of the Senate impeachment trial, which is of critical importance to our democracy,” he said.
Nadler thanked his colleagues and staff for their support.
