WASHINGTON — House Republicans on Tuesday night rushed a vote to the floor, impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the border, making him the first Cabinet official to be impeached in over 100 years.
The final vote was 214-213 as three Republicans again voted with the Democrats, opposing the impeachment. The motion will now head to the Senate, where two-thirds would need to vote to remove Mayorkas –which is not likely to happen in the Democratic-controlled chamber.
“From his first day in office, Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and consistently refused to comply with federal immigration laws, fueling the worst border catastrophe in American history,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a statement. “He has undermined public trust through multiple false statements to Congress, obstructed lawful oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, and violated his oath of office.”
“Since this Secretary refuses to do the job that the Senate confirmed him to do, the House must act,” Johnson continued.
Reps. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) joined the Democrats in voting to not impeach Mayorkas.
The Senate returns to session on Feb. 26, and the articles are expected to either be quickly dismissed, or the trial will be sent to a special committee that would hear the evidence.
Homeland Security Department spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg blasted the decision with a statement, saying Mayorkas was involved in border deal talks with senators, which the House refused to look at.
“House Republicans will be remembered by history for trampling on the Constitution for political gain rather than working to solve the serious challenges at our border. While Secretary Mayorkas was helping a group of Republican and Democratic Senators develop bipartisan solutions to strengthen border security and get needed resources for enforcement, House Republicans have wasted months with this baseless, unconstitutional impeachment,” Ehrenberg said.
“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,” she continued. “Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security will continue working every day to keep Americans safe.”
President Joe Biden released a statement, saying that Republicans will have to hear from the voters later this year.
“History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games,” he said.
