Mike Johnson Announces Major Move

The Senate is set to receive formal articles of impeachment against Alejandro Mayorkas, the secretary of homeland security, as announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

This development, slated for April 10, marks a significant advancement toward an impeachment trial and underscores the criticisms of the Biden administration's immigration and border management policies once again.

Speaker Johnson called for an urgent expedited trial in a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The letter, co-signed by the 11 Republicans chosen as impeachment managers, accused Mayorkas of deceiving Congress and the public and failing to uphold existing immigration regulations. It also underscored the constitutional and historical justifications for Mayorkas' removal.

"As Speaker and impeachment managers of the U.S. House of Representatives, we write to inform you that we will present to you upon the Senate’s return, on April 10, 2024, the duly passed articles of impeachment regarding Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas," Johnson wrote. "We urge you to schedule a trial of the matter expeditiously."

"The Secretary is responsible for releasing millions of illegal aliens into the interior and creating unlawful mass parole programs," Johnson added.

"Throughout his tenure, he has repeatedly lied to Congress and the American people about the scope of the crisis and his role in it. His unlawful actions are responsible for the historic crisis that has devastated communities throughout our country, from the smallest border town in Texas to New York City."

This impeachment attempt marks the first such action against a Cabinet secretary since 1876. Following a relatively close vote, the House last month decided to impeach Mayorkas on charges of negligence of duty and violation of public trust. This move reflects internal Republican efforts to hold the Biden administration accountable for its handling of the southern border.

"The constitutional grounds for Secretary Mayorkas’ conviction and removal from office are well-founded, and the historical record is clear," the letter asserted.

Given the Democratic majority in the Senate and the probable swift dismissal of the charges, a Senate conviction appears unlikely. However, Johnson and his supporters view this action as a constitutional obligation to address and rectify executive abuse and mismanagement.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer has not outlined the trial's specifics yet, but his office confirmed that senators will be sworn in as jurors the day after receiving the articles of impeachment, with Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray overseeing the proceedings.

This sets the stage for a contentious debate on border security and immigration, issues that will remain prominent in American politics, particularly leading up to the 2024 presidential election. Democrats and opponents of impeachment argue that the evidence against Mayorkas does not meet the high standard of "high crimes and misdemeanors" required for impeachment.

They also point out the politicization of constitutional processes for political gain, highlighting the improbable likelihood of a Senate conviction and questioning the strategic wisdom of pursuing impeachment without a guaranteed outcome.