Aiexpress – A group of Senate Republicans wants to hold a full impeachment trial against Alejandro Mayorkas, who is Secretary of Homeland Security. Even though the Democratic majority is likely to quickly reject the effort, they have asked leadership to “ensure that the Senate conducts a proper trial.”
In a historic move, the House of Representatives recently voted to impeach Mayorkas, marking the first time a Cabinet secretary has faced impeachment in nearly 150 years. House Republicans made the bold decision to pursue the removal of Mayorkas from his position, citing two articles of impeachment that accuse him of “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” as well as a “breach of public trust.” While a few Republicans joined forces with the Democrats to oppose the impeachment, the majority voted in favor of holding him accountable.
However, the Senate, which is under Democratic control and has the final say in appointing or dismissing officials, is almost certain to reject the proposal. Many Republicans in the Senate have spoken out against impeaching Mayor Kasĭmiak, making it clear that the measure has no chance of passing in the upper house. However, some conservatives want the Senate to “fully engage our constitutional duty and hold a trial.”
Thirteen Senate Republicans have penned a letter, obtained by CBS News, calling on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to unite with them in opposing the Democratic Party’s attempts to evade their Constitutional obligations. The letter bears the signatures of Senators Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott, Ron Johnson, J.D. Vance, Roger Marshall, Josh Hawley, Mike Braun, Tommy Tuberville, Ted Budd, Cynthia Lummis, and Marsha Blackburn.
The group issued a warning that Senate Democrats plan to vote to table the articles of impeachment once a trial commences. They condemned this move, stating that it is an action that has rarely been contemplated and never taken by the U.S. Senate in the history of our Republic.
The Republicans wrote that it is uncertain if the Senate rules will permit them to dismiss their responsibility in this way. However, they emphasized that if Senate Republicans had considered a similar strategy when they held the majority and a Republican was in the White House, Democrats would have vehemently opposed it and their objections would have been loud and forceful.
McConnell’s office chose not to provide a comment regarding the letter.
The office of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced last week that the Senate will initiate the impeachment trial of Mayorkas once senators return to Washington on Feb. 26. However, there is uncertainty regarding the specific course of action the Senate will take following that.
The Senate is expected to move swiftly in conducting the trial, but there is some disagreement on how exactly that will unfold. While the trial must be scheduled by the Senate, there are several ways in which a majority vote could be used to expedite, delay, or even dismiss the proceedings. With Democrats currently holding 51 seats, including three independents who typically align with the party, Republicans would have limited options if the majority remains unified.
According to Schumer’s office, the House impeachment managers will deliver the article of impeachment to the Senate upon lawmakers’ return from recess next week. Once this happens, senators will be sworn in as jurors for the trial. Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat and the Senate pro tempore, will preside over the proceedings.
Scott sent a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, urging her to oversee the Senate impeachment trial instead of Murray.
In a letter, he expressed concern about the continuous and widespread crisis caused by the influx of illegal immigrants across our southern and northern borders and their unrestricted movement within our country. He emphasized the importance of the Senate President’s role in overseeing the impeachment trial of Secretary Mayorkas and encouraged them to fulfill that responsibility when the Senate reconvenes later this month.
