Senate Dismisses Impeachment Charges Against Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas

On Wednesday, the Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

House Republicans impeached Mayorkas in February, though the process was stalled while Congress worked to avoid a government shutdown.

On Wednesday morning, House impeachment managers delivered articles. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Washington) swore in senators as jurors, and the senators voted to dismiss the charges mostly along party lines within two hours after a brief debate about the process. 

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voted present on the first charge but against dismissal of the second charge.

“To validate this gross abuse by the House would be a grave mistake and could set a dangerous precedent for the future,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) said, “We view it as a stunt. The Republicans view it as a stunt. But no one views this as serious.”

House Republicans accused Mayorkas of “high crimes and misdemeanors,” including “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law and his breach of the public trust.” 

“Without a shred of evidence or legitimate Constitutional grounds, and despite bipartisan opposition, House Republicans have falsely smeared a dedicated public servant who has spent more than 20 years enforcing our laws and serving our country,” the DHS said in a statement in March.

Republicans will now try to use the issue of immigration against Democrats in the November election. 

Article by Ava Lombardi