House Speaker Mike Johnson made an announcement on Thursday, revealing that the impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas would be sent to the Senate on April 10. Following this, senators are expected to be sworn in and seated as a jury on the subsequent day, April 11.
Johnson and the Republican impeachment managers have penned a letter urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to promptly schedule a trial on the matter.
The House impeached Mayorkas on Feb. 13 with a vote of 214-213. Republicans accused him of not effectively enforcing border laws during a supposed “crisis” of increased illegal immigration. However, Mayorkas refuted these allegations as “baseless.” Instead of immediately sending over the articles, Johnson chose to wait until the government was fully funded.
In a letter addressed to Senator Schumer, it is stated that the evidence on both charges is unmistakable, thorough, and persuasive. The House’s serious decision to impeach the first sitting Cabinet official in American history calls for prompt action from the Senate.
When asked for a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) referred ABC News to a previously issued statement in response to the impeachment of Mayorkas.
“DHS spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg has strongly refuted the baseless accusations made by House Republicans against a highly experienced public servant who has dedicated over two decades to upholding the law and serving our nation. Despite lacking any evidence or valid constitutional grounds, these false allegations have been spread. Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the safety of the American people, and they will continue their tireless efforts in this regard.”
Once the articles are sent over, the Senate will proceed with the swearing-in and seating of the jury.
There is speculation about what Schumer will do with the impeachment articles, but many believe that Democrats will try to dismantle the impeachment effort as soon as possible.
There are several options available regarding how to proceed, including conducting a trial, dismissing the articles of impeachment through a simple majority vote, or referring the matter to an impeachment committee.
House Republicans have written a letter urging the fulfillment of the constitutional obligation to conduct a trial. They emphasize the American people’s desire for a secure border, resolution to the crisis, and accountability for those at fault. The Republicans argue that it would be a violation of the constitutional order and disrespectful to the American people if articles of impeachment were tabled without hearing arguments or reviewing evidence.
The team leading the impeachment charge consists of various esteemed individuals. It comprises Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, as well as representatives Andy Biggs, Ben Cline, Andrew Garbarino, Michael Guest, Harriet Hageman, Clay Higgins, Laurel Lee, August Pfluger, and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Several Republican senators have recently urged Schumer to hold a complete trial. If he proceeds, a two-thirds majority vote by the Senate would be necessary to convict Mayorkas and oust him from his position. However, at the moment, there are insufficient votes to achieve that outcome.
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