The U.S. House of Representatives postponed sending articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate until Monday, a move aimed at assisting Republicans in their argument before a potential trial. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s spokesperson stated that the delay was to ensure the Senate had sufficient time for its constitutional duty.
Originally planned for April 10, the articles of impeachment were set to be transmitted to the Senate by House Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed readiness on behalf of Senate Democrats to proceed with the Mayorkas impeachment trial, emphasizing their intention to act expeditiously, given the Democrats’ control of the chamber.
However, Republican senators such as Ted Cruz and Mike Lee accused Schumer of evading responsibility by delaying the trial, suggesting it would highlight the severity of the border crisis. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy echoed these sentiments, characterizing Senate Democrats’ approach to the impeachment as dismissive despite the crisis’s impact on American communities.
Mayorkas (Credits: WDBJ)
While some Republicans pushed for Mayorkas’s impeachment, others cautioned against it. A Republican strategist warned of the potential negative consequences of such actions, suggesting it could be counterproductive for the GOP. This sentiment was echoed by Melik Abdul, who emphasized the pressure Speaker Johnson faced from the party’s right wing.
In contrast, the National Immigration Forum urged Congress to focus on immigration solutions rather than impeachment, emphasizing the importance of securing the border and treating migrants with dignity. The organization’s president, Jennie Murray, called for constructive efforts to address the underlying issues rather than engaging in political maneuvers.
The delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment underscores the partisan divide over Mayorkas’s handling of the border crisis. While Republicans seek to hold him accountable through impeachment, Democrats emphasize the need for practical solutions to address immigration challenges.
