House Committee Advances Mayorkas Impeachment; Historic Vote Ahead
TL/DR –
The House Homeland Security Committee has voted to advance impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over allegations of his refusal to comply with the law and breach of public trust in relation to the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. The committee, led by Republicans, accused Mayorkas of violating the law by releasing migrants awaiting court proceedings and lying about border security. However, Democrats on the committee dismissed the impeachment effort as lacking evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors, and stated that Mayorkas was denied the opportunity to respond to the charges.
Defense Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Faces Impeachment Articles
The House Homeland Security Committee has moved to advance impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. If approved, this could make Mayorkas the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in nearly 150 years. The committee’s action aligns with the GOP’s desire to make border security the central theme of the 2024 campaign.
The GOP-led committee voted 18-15 along party lines to advance two impeachment articles against Biden’s top immigration official. The articles accuse Mayorkas of a “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and a “breach of public trust” over the administration’s handling of the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. (source).
Charges Against Mayorkas
The first impeachment article accuses Mayorkas of repeatedly violating the law by permitting the release of migrants awaiting court proceedings. The second article alleges Mayorkas lied to lawmakers about whether the southern border was secure and obstructed congressional oversight of the department.
Although Mayorkas’ impeachment would be historic, it is likely he will be acquitted in the Democratic-controlled Senate. A two-thirds majority would be needed to convict and remove him from office. Many House Republicans also oppose an immigration deal Mayorkas helped negotiate aimed at reducing illegal border crossings (source).
Democrats’ Response
Democrats have called the impeachment effort a “sham,” arguing that the charges lack evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors. They also dispute the Republican assertion that impeachment is the only option, suggesting Congress should instead pass legislation to address the problems.
Mayorkas’ Defense
Mayorkas has responded to the impeachment articles by calling for a legislative solution to the border crisis. The Homeland Security Secretary has also accused Republicans of being politically motivated in their accusations. He insists that their false accusations neither rattle him nor divert him from his public service mission. (source)
Responding to the impeachment articles, the Homeland Security Department said the effort was a distraction from national security priorities and Congress should be working to fix the broken immigration laws. The department accused Republicans of not wanting to solve the problem but rather campaign on it.
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