Staff Reports
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has made history as the first cabinet official to be impeached in almost 150 years. The House voted 214 to 213 to impeach Mayorkas, with Republicans claiming a rare opportunity to hold the Biden administration accountable. They argue that Mayorkas’s refusal to enforce federal law has led to an unprecedented crisis at the southern border, leaving innocent Americans to pay the price. Although it’s highly unlikely that Mayorkas will be removed from office, Republicans see this as an essential step in fulfilling their Constitutional duty.
House Impeaches Mayorkas, First Cabinet Member Impeached in Nearly 150 Years https://t.co/4GJg18goMm
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) February 14, 2024
This impeachment comes after last week’s failed attempt, where Rep. Al Green unexpectedly voted against impeachment, tipping the scales in favor of Mayorkas. House leadership moved forward with Tuesday night’s vote, taking advantage of Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s return and hoping to secure a victory. However, the Senate is expected to quickly dispose of the impeachment, leaving Mayorkas acquitted.
Even though the impeachment may not lead to Mayorkas’s removal, it highlights the issue of border security, which Republicans argue will be a defining factor in the upcoming elections. They support the tough border security legislation that they passed last year, and they believe it should form the basis for future negotiations on border security. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green has been the leading voice in calling for Mayorkas’s removal, accusing him of intentionally refusing to follow existing laws and lying to Congress.
In the end, while the impeachment may not have immediate consequences, it serves as a symbolic victory for Republicans and a way to hold the Biden administration accountable. The issue of border security will continue to be a thorn in the side of Democrats as the November elections approach.
