The House of Representatives narrowly impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, marking the first such action against a Cabinet secretary in almost 150 years. The vote followed a failed attempt by House Republicans a week prior, highlighting divisions within the GOP and their focus on criticizing the Biden administration’s border policies.
House Republicans accuse Mayorkas of mishandling border security, alleging high crimes and misdemeanors. However, constitutional experts question the evidence’s validity. Only one Cabinet official, Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876, has been previously impeached.
The vote, 214 to 213, saw three Republicans crossing party lines to oppose the measure. The Department of Homeland Security denounced the impeachment as a political maneuver, emphasizing Mayorkas’ commitment to national security.
The failed initial impeachment attempt exposed GOP leadership challenges and sparked internal criticism. Lawmakers lamented the party’s inability to govern effectively, particularly amidst looming government funding deadlines.
White House spokesman Ian Sams dismissed the impeachment as baseless and unconstitutional, echoing bipartisan sentiment against it. However, Senate Republicans rejected a legislative solution, further complicating the situation.
While the House impeachment is unlikely to lead to charges in the Democratic-controlled Senate, the process underscores partisan tensions over immigration policy. Mayorkas defended his record, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to address border challenges.
Democrats criticized the impeachment effort as a sham, arguing it lacked proper procedural oversight. The GOP-led investigation bypassed customary impeachment procedures, drawing scrutiny from Democrats.
Despite Mayorkas’ plea for collaboration, Republican lawmakers remained steadfast in their pursuit of impeachment. The Homeland Security Committee’s unilateral approach signaled heightened partisan discord surrounding border security issues.
