House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced that the impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will be sent to the Senate on April 10. Following this, senators are expected to be sworn in and seated as a jury on April 11.
In a recent letter, Johnson and the Republican impeachment managers have urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to promptly schedule a trial on the matter.
The House impeached Mayorkas on Feb. 13 in a close vote of 214-213. Republicans accused him of not upholding border laws effectively during a supposed “crisis” of increased illegal immigration. However, Mayorkas dismissed these allegations as “baseless.” Johnson, on the other hand, decided to delay sending the articles until the government was fully funded.
In a letter addressed to Schumer, it is stated that the evidence for both charges is indisputable, thorough, and convincing. The House’s decision to impeach the first-ever sitting Cabinet official in American history calls for prompt action by the Senate.
When asked for a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directed ABC News to a statement that was issued when Mayorkas was first impeached.
“DHS spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg vehemently refutes the baseless allegations made by House Republicans against a devoted public servant, who has tirelessly dedicated over two decades to upholding our laws and serving our nation,” stated Ehrenberg. She further emphasized that Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security remain unwavering in their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the American people.”
Once the articles are submitted, the Senate will proceed to the swearing-in and seating of its members as the jury.
Schumer has not revealed his plans for the impeachment articles, but it is widely anticipated that Democrats will seek to swiftly dismiss the impeachment effort.
There are several options available when it comes to handling the articles of impeachment. One possibility is to move forward with a trial, while another option is to dismiss the articles through a simple majority vote. Additionally, the matter can also be referred to an impeachment committee for further consideration.
In a letter, House Republicans urged the fulfillment of the constitutional obligation to conduct the trial, emphasizing the American people’s desire for a secure border, an end to the crisis, and accountability for those responsible. They argued that tabling articles of impeachment without hearing arguments or reviewing evidence would undermine the constitutional order and disregard the interests of the American people.
The impeachment managers consist of a group of highly skilled individuals who have been assigned specific roles in the process. This team includes Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Rep. Andy Biggs, Rep. Ben Cline, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Rep. Michael Guest, Rep. Harriet Hageman, Rep. Clay Higgins, Rep. Laurel Lee, Rep. August Pfluger, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Each member brings their unique expertise and perspective to the table, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to the impeachment proceedings.
In recent days, several Republican senators have also urged Schumer to conduct a comprehensive trial. If he proceeds with it, the allegations against Mayorkas would necessitate a two-thirds vote by the Senate for conviction and removal from office. However, at present, there is insufficient support to achieve this outcome.
