The House plans to send impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate next week, as Senate Republicans seek more time to develop a strategy. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s spokesperson stated that the Senate needs adequate time to fulfill its constitutional duty, emphasizing that there is no reason for the Senate to avoid holding an impeachment trial. Initially, House Republican leaders intended to transmit the articles on Wednesday, but Senate Republicans asked for a delay to build more support for blocking a motion to dismiss the trial.
Louisiana GOP Sen. John Kennedy publicly expressed that Senate Republicans requested Speaker Johnson to delay sending the articles until Monday to allow for a full week of preparation. Senate Republican Whip John Thune explained that some Senate Republicans are advocating for a delay in transmitting the impeachment articles and have been communicating with the House on the matter. Thune highlighted the importance of having a more comprehensive discussion and the opportunity for votes on relevant issues when the articles come over.
Thune emphasized that Senate Republicans want the chance to debate and vote on specific matters when the articles are sent over. He acknowledged that it is ultimately Speaker Johnson’s decision to determine whether there will be a delay in sending the impeachment articles. The intention was initially to send the articles over to the Senate the following day, but Thune indicated that conversations between Senate members and the House have taken place regarding the timing of the transfer.
In summary, the House will transmit impeachment articles against Secretary Mayorkas to the Senate next week, with a possible delay to allow Senate Republicans more time to develop a strategy. Senate Republicans have requested additional time to build support for blocking a potential motion from Democrats to dismiss the trial. Conversations between Senate members and the House are ongoing, with the ultimate decision on timing resting with Speaker Johnson. The goal is to have a more detailed discussion and the opportunity for votes on relevant issues when the articles are sent over to the Senate.
