The impeachment trial of U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who was accused by House Republicans of neglecting his oath of office and causing the worst border crisis in U.S. history, may not take place in the Senate due to lack of support from the majority leader and some GOP senators.
House Votes to Impeach Mayorkas by a Narrow Margin
On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach Mayorkas by a vote of 218 to 217, with three Republicans joining the Democrats in opposing the measure. The impeachment resolution, introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, alleged that Mayorkas had failed to enforce the immigration laws, secure the southern border, and protect the national security of the United States.
The resolution also claimed that Mayorkas had abused his power by creating loopholes in the immigration system, allowing millions of illegal immigrants to enter and remain in the country, and releasing thousands of criminals and terrorists into the communities. The resolution further accused Mayorkas of lying to Congress and the American people about the true extent of the border crisis and the impact of his policies.
The impeachment vote was the first time in U.S. history that a cabinet secretary was impeached by the House. However, the impeachment process requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate to convict and remove the official from office, which is unlikely to happen given the current political landscape.
Senate Majority Leader Calls Impeachment a “Sham”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, has not committed to holding a trial for Mayorkas in the Senate, and has dismissed the impeachment effort as a “sham” and a “political stunt”. Schumer said that the impeachment resolution was based on “falsehoods and conspiracy theories” and that Mayorkas was doing a “remarkable job” in leading the Department of Homeland Security.
Schumer also argued that the impeachment was a distraction from the urgent issues facing the country, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic recovery, and the voting rights legislation. He said that the Senate would focus on advancing the agenda of President Joe Biden, who has expressed his full confidence and support for Mayorkas.
Some GOP Senators Express Doubts About Impeachment
Even if Schumer agreed to hold a trial for Mayorkas, the impeachment resolution would need the support of at least 17 Republican senators to reach the two-thirds threshold for conviction. However, some GOP senators have expressed doubts about the validity and necessity of the impeachment.
Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican from Utah, said that he did not see any evidence that Mayorkas had committed impeachable offenses, and that he would rather work with him to find solutions for the border situation. Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, said that she was not convinced that the impeachment was warranted, and that she would wait to hear the arguments from both sides before making a decision. Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, said that she was concerned about the precedent that the impeachment would set for future cabinet officials, and that she would prefer to hold oversight hearings instead of a trial.
Impeachment Managers Prepare to Present Case to Senate
Despite the uncertainty and opposition in the Senate, the 11 impeachment managers appointed by House Speaker Johnson are preparing to present their case to the upper chamber. The impeachment managers are:
- Rep. Ben Cline, a Republican from Virginia
- Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican from Arizona
- Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania
- Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas
- Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia
- Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican from Colorado
- Rep. Madison Cawthorn, a Republican from North Carolina
- Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida
- Rep. Louie Gohmert, a Republican from Texas
- Rep. Mo Brooks, a Republican from Alabama
The impeachment managers will deliver the articles of impeachment to the Senate once they return from recess on March 5. They will then make their case to the senators, using evidence, witnesses, and arguments to prove that Mayorkas is guilty of the charges and deserves to be removed from office.
The impeachment trial of Mayorkas is expected to be a highly contentious and polarizing event, as both parties clash over the immigration policy and the role of the executive branch. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the Biden administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the future of the country.
