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The top two Senate leaders failed to reach an agreement on the structure for the Senate trial, according to two senators and an aide, leaving the path for a bipartisan agreement in limbo as Congress breaks for the holidays.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer met privately off the Senate floor for 20 minutes, but the initial talks stalled over a dispute over when the articles of impeachment should be transmitted to the Senate from the House.

The two leaders differ on how they see any initial agreement coming together and that gap hasn’t yet narrowed.

What happens now: The two sides are expected to continue to work toward an agreement over the holidays, the people said. The whole process remains in limbo as the House hasn’t voted to appoint managers and transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate.

McConnell has left open the possibility of voting to move forward with the trial without a bipartisan agreement when the Senate returns in January.

McConnell said earlier today he would have more to say “later” about the next steps for the Senate.

Schumer's spokesperson made clear the New York Democrat is still pushing for an agreement aligns with his proposal to hear from witnesses and obtain documents.

“Sen. Schumer asked Sen. McConnell to consider Sen. Schumer’s proposal over the holidays because Sen. Schumer and his caucus believe the witnesses and documents are essential to a fair Senate trial,” Justin Goodman, Schumer’s spokesman, said in a statement.