Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer revealed on Wednesday that Democrats have plans to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
“Today, we find ourselves once again taking our seats as jurors for the third time in four years as the trial commences. However, this time, the senators will serve as jurors in what many consider to be the least legitimate, least substantive, and most politicized impeachment trial in the history of the United States,” Schumer expressed during his remarks on the Senate floor.
Schumer urged senators to dismiss the charges in order to uphold the Senate’s integrity and preserve the significance of impeachment for only the most exceptional cases.
Senators will engage in a heated debate, primarily divided along party lines, to determine whether a comprehensive trial of Mayorkas should be conducted regarding his management of immigration policy and the situation at the southern border. The proceedings are scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. EDT.
Schumer stated that during the trial, he will propose an agreement that caters to the requests of their Republican Senate colleagues. This agreement would include a designated period for debate, allowing Republicans to present trial resolutions and raise points of order. Additionally, it would provide the opportunity for Republicans to move to dismiss the trial.
House GOP managers submitted two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas on Tuesday. The next phase of the proceedings requires senators to be sworn in as jurors, sitting as a court of impeachment, on Wednesday afternoon.
Since the Democrats have control over the Senate, they have the potential to swiftly secure a vote to dismiss the articles if they can maintain unity. Only 51 votes would be necessary to achieve this outcome.
Democrats have a strong belief that the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, which accuse him of “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and “breach of public trust,” are without foundation and driven by political motivations.
Senate Republicans are expressing their anger at the proposition that there would not be a complete trial, presenting a formidable challenge to Schumer.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., characterized the ongoing political situation as “raw gut politics” during a news conference held on Tuesday, where he shared the stage with the House impeachment managers.
According to him, Senator Schumer’s actions tomorrow are not only fatuous and fraudulent but also insulting to the Senate. He believes that it is a disservice to every American citizen who values the rule of law.
Republicans have limited options to achieve their demands if Democrats remain united, apart from expressing their grievances.
However, there is no certainty that they will do so.
Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, is facing a challenging reelection battle in a state that is becoming more conservative. Despite the political pressure, Tester has not made a definitive statement about whether he would support a motion to dismiss. He has consistently maintained that he will wait to make a decision until he has thoroughly read the articles.
During the reading of the articles in the Senate by impeachment manager Rep. Mark Green on Tuesday, Senator Tester, who had been present in the chamber, decided to leave his seat and make his way to the cloakroom.
During the GOP news conference shortly after, Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, criticized him for it.
According to Cruz, Jon Tester was conspicuously absent during the proceedings because he apparently found it too daunting to confront the managers and acknowledge the harsh realities faced by the people affected by the policies he endorses.
Tester’s decision remains uncertain at this time. However, if he remains loyal to his party, Republicans will have limited options to compel a trial to proceed. Nonetheless, that does not imply they will make the process effortless.
If the Democrats want to expedite the trial, the Republicans are anticipated to present various procedural points of order that would require votes and could consume a significant amount of floor time.
According to Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, there has been ongoing discussion behind closed doors regarding a potential agreement. The agreement would involve allowing several hours of debate to determine the necessity of a trial before voting on a motion to dismiss.
Tillis expressed his belief that the offer being considered presents an opportunity for discussion and debate, allowing them to strengthen their case.
Getting all senators to agree on such an agreement seems like a challenging task.
Senators have the option of referring the trial to a committee for further consideration, which is within their rights when an impeachment is initiated against an individual who is not currently serving as president.
Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, has been one of the voices calling for a trial. He recently expressed his view that this could be an “acceptable” outcome.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has made it clear that he will vehemently oppose any attempts by the Democrats to thwart the impeachment process. He firmly believes that the Senate has a solemn responsibility to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness.
The Senate will convene for only the 19th occasion in our nation’s history to deliberate on the impeachment of a high-ranking government official. This is a weighty duty that must be approached with utmost seriousness.
“I am committed to devoting my complete and undivided attention to these charges. However, for senators to truly have a fair trial, they must be given the chance to proceed. This is in line with historical norms and established precedent. The Senate has never before agreed to a motion to table articles of impeachment,” stated McConnell.
“I strongly disagree with the attempt to set aside the articles of impeachment and avoid confronting the border crisis under the Biden administration,” he stated firmly.
