The Senate is set to convene for the impeachment trial of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday afternoon, with the Democratic-led upper chamber obliged to take on the House GOP-backed impeachment effort. Senators will be sworn in as jurors at 1 p.m., and the trial’s duration is uncertain, although Democrats hope for a swift conclusion. The trial’s commencement came after House Republican impeachment managers transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, with Sen. Patty Murray presiding over the proceedings.
The House voted to impeach Mayorkas in February, leading to the Senate’s requirement to convene as a court of impeachment after the articles were delivered. While the 51-member Democratic majority may be able to quickly dismiss or delay the trial, some Senate Republicans are urging for a comprehensive trial process. There is potential for procedural maneuvers to slow the process, unless an agreement is reached with Democratic leadership. Sen. Thom Tillis has suggested a time agreement for limited debate before a vote to dismiss or table the trial, but an agreement had not been reached as of Wednesday.
The articles of impeachment against Mayorkas accuse him of “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and a “breach of public trust.” House Republicans allege that Mayorkas violated laws regarding immigration and border security, releasing asylum seekers and allowing over 1 million people to enter the U.S. under parole authority. They also claim that he made false statements to Congress and avoided lawful oversight. DHS has called the effort baseless and accused House Republicans of undermining the Constitution. Constitutional scholars argue that the allegations against Mayorkas do not meet the criteria for impeachment as outlined in the Constitution.
Schumer has indicated that he wants to swiftly resolve the trial, but Senate Republicans are advocating for a thorough process. It remains to be seen how the trial will proceed, as procedural maneuvers and negotiations may impact its length and outcome. Despite the disagreements between the two parties, the Senate is poised to handle the impeachment trial in accordance with the rules and regulations governing such proceedings. As the trial unfolds, it will be a test of the Senate’s ability to impartially judge the allegations against Mayorkas and come to a resolution that reflects the interests of the American public.
