Sen. McConnell points to 'clear responsibility' for Mayorkas trial

Wednesday, the House Republicans' attempt to compel Senate Democrats to place impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on trial was swiftly thwarted by Senate Democrats.

At Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) request, the Senate voted on Wednesday that the first article of impeachment against Mayorkas is unconstitutional, effectively dismissing it, as The Washington Examiner reported.

The vote was 51-48-1, with every Democrat in favor of expediting the dismissal of the initial charge against Mayorkas. with the exception of Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who cast a "present" ballot.

It is anticipated that Schumer will endeavor in a comparable fashion to eliminate the second and ultimate article of indictment against Joe Biden's highest-ranking border official, Mayorkas.

McConnell's Take

Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued a statement urging the Senate to deny a possible motion to dismiss articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, according to Newsmax.

Tuesday afternoon, House Republicans presented articles of impeachment against Mayorkas to the Senate. This is in contrast to reports indicating that the majority in the Upper Chamber, Senate Democrats, intend to conduct a vote on a motion to dismiss the charges, which would necessitate a simple majority to succeed.

In February, the House passed an impeachment vote of 214-213 in favor of a Mayorkas impeachment. All Democrats and three Republicans joined the minority in opposition to the measure, alleging that he contravened the law, devised a "catch and release" scheme, and neglected to detain illegal immigrants while they awaited deportation.

What Americans 'Deserve'

McConnell, in a press release, said that the Senate has "a clear responsibility … to give the charges we'll hear today the thorough consideration they deserve."

McConnell added that he "will strenuously oppose any effort to table the articles of impeachment and avoid looking the Biden Administration's border crisis squarely in the face."

He went on to say that he intends "to give these charges my full and undivided attention," noting that this "would require that Senators actually get the opportunity to hold a trial. And this is exactly what history and precedent dictate."

The Kentucky Republican added, "Never before has the Senate agreed to a motion to table articles of impeachment. Not for an officer of either party. Not once."

House Republicans are utilizing impeachment "to settle a policy disagreement," according to Schumer, who stated on the Senate floor on Tuesday. He added that impeachment of Mayorkas "would set an awful precedent for Congress."