A second attempt to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was launched by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on Wednesday, November 30th.
Greene has accused Mayorkas of "high crimes and misdemeanors" related to border security following an earlier impeachment resolution that was sent to the House committee for further investigation.
Greene's initial impeachment resolution against Mayorkas was referred to the House Homeland Security Committee earlier in November. This move saw bipartisan support, with eight Republicans joining their Democratic colleagues to approve the referral.
In response to these developments, the Department of Homeland Security has criticized what they deem as "impeachment charades" by the Republicans.
The situation has also caused a rift within the Republican party itself. Some members have called for a more systematic approach to impeachment in hopes of ensuring a Senate conviction.
Among the voices of dissent within the GOP was Rep. Tom McClintock, who expressed his concerns about embracing a "new definition" of impeachment. He was critical of Greene's resolution, labeling it as "reckless, partisan, and manifestly unserious."
Undeterred by such critique, Greene maintains that the American people "want action" on impeachment. She reiterated her belief that Mayorkas has intentionally violated laws related to border security.
Rep. Greene said:
"Today, I reintroduced my articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas because impeachment is EXACTLY what the founders intended for the House to do when a member of the executive branch intentionally violates the laws written by the legislative branch."
Meanwhile, Mayorkas has been steadfast in his duties as Secretary of Homeland Security. He expressed pride in supporting the 260,000 people working within the department.
As this issue continues to unfold, divisions within the Republican party have become more apparent. Rep. Tom McClintock voiced his concerns regarding the impeachment process.
Rep. McClintock said:
"Many are demanding Mayorkas’ impeachment for ‘failing to maintain operational control of the border,’ as Congresswoman Greene’s resolution puts it. Well, he’s certainly guilty of that, and a whole lot more: maladministration, malfeasance, and neglect of duties on a truly cosmic scale. But these are not impeachable offenses. By failing to abide by due process and Constitutional constraints, Ms. Greene is tainting this serious impeachment inquiry with a shoot-from-the-hip stunt that is reckless, partisan, and manifestly unserious."
Greene, however, responded by asserting that impeachment is due process and it would hold Mayorkas accountable for his actions.
As the political debate rages on, the House Homeland Security Committee continues its investigation of Mayorkas. The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact the impeachment process and the future of Mayorkas as Homeland Security Secretary.
