Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) made a decisive announcement Wednesday, revealing his intention to propose a motion to dismiss the two House-passed articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. He vehemently criticized the charges as “bogus” and lacking in legitimacy.
Schumer disclosed that senators would be sworn in as jurors at 1 p.m., following which he would seek a time agreement to allow Republicans the opportunity to present motions on trial resolutions and points of order. Subsequently, he planned to swiftly move for dismissal of the matter.
Chuck Schumer (Credits: The American Prospect)
In his statement, Schumer emphasized the political nature of the proceedings, asserting that the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas had nothing to do with crimes or misdemeanors but was solely aimed at aiding Donald Trump on the campaign trail.
It is anticipated that the majority of Democrats will support the dismissal of the impeachment charges, a move requiring a simple majority. However, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), facing a competitive reelection race, remains undecided on his vote.
Alejandro Mayorkas (Credits: AP News)
Should he side with Republicans, and all 49 GOP senators oppose the dismissal, it could disrupt Schumer’s efforts to avoid a trial.
Schumer criticized the House indictment as the “least legitimate, least substantive, and most politicized impeachment trial” in U.S. history. Forty-three Republicans previously urged Schumer to proceed with a trial, citing historical precedent.
They highlighted that the Senate has conducted either a full trial or referred charges to a special committee each time the House has forwarded impeachment charges over the past 225 years.
