Republican goodwill is running out amid party anger over the border crisis and the impotence of Congress to fix a problem plaguing federal and state governments alike. Looking for someone to take the fall, Republican senators are completing the historic impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which began in the House when it successfully impeached Mayorkas last week.
Stage Two of Impeachment Proceedings Will Begin Feb. 26
Regardless of how the party politics of the proceedings play out, stage two of the impeachment will begin next week when the articles of impeachment will be formally presented to the Senate upon lawmakers’ return to Washington on Feb. 26.
Democrats Initiate Trial Phase, Unlikely to Play Out Fully
According to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), this will initiate the trial phase where senators will serve as jurors, and Washington State Democrat Sen. Patty Murray will preside over the impeachment trial.
Specifics of Trial Conduct Depends on GOP Resistance to Dismissing Proceedings
The specifics of how the Senate will proceed remain uncertain. Despite established precedents for trial conduct, the Democratic majority’s control opens several paths for addressing the impeachment, with Republicans poised to have limited influence over the process.
Republican Senators Appeal to McConnell for Full-Fledged Impeachment Trial
CBS News revealed a letter from 13 Republican senators, including Senators Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, and others, imploring Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to resist any Democratic attempts to bypass the opportunity to conduct a full-scale impeachment trial.
Some GOP Senators Want to Increase Spectacle of Impeachment Proceedings
Rather than allowing Democrats to dismiss or downplay the articles of impeachment swiftly without opposition, certain GOP Senators want to increase the pressure and spectacle of the trial, lending the gravity and seriousness of past Senate impeachment trials such as that of former Presidents Clinton (1999) and Trump (2020, 2021), all of which ended in acquittal.
Acquittal Likely, First Cabinet Secretary Impeachment in 150 Years
Though acquittal is the likeliest outcome in any scenario, the opportunity to impeach Mayorkas marks a historic moment. Mayorkas is the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in almost 150 years, with House Republicans first leading the charge on allegations of legal non-compliance and betrayal of public trust.
Republicans Appeal to Immigration-Conscious Voters
Republican senators are eager to gain a stage to appeal to their constituents on the popular topic of the immigration crisis, a top issue for many of their voters. Pointing the finger at Mayorkas as the whipping boy for the Biden administration’s approach to illegal border crossings rallies the base and builds momentum for the upcoming election.
McConnell Has Yet to Decide on Approach
Despite pressure from Senate conservatives, Mitch McConnell has yet to decide on his stance regarding the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the possibility of dismissing the charges.
Minority Leader Expresses Uncertainty Given Democrat’s Control of Trial
In an interview, McConnell expressed uncertainty, given the likelihood of Democrats seeking to end the trial quickly. He remarked that the Senate might not experience prolonged trials as it has in the past, likely referencing the past two impeachment trials of former President Donald Trump, who was acquitted both times.
Republicans Put Mayorkas in the Hot Seat, Casting Blame on Democrats for Border Crisis
Regardless of the outcome, Republicans want Mayorkas on the spot, hoping to shed clarity on exactly what has gone so wrong to get to this point in the humanitarian and national security crisis at the border.
Immigration is a Top Issue for Many Voters
Americans are increasingly concerned about the border crisis. Both parties know immigration is now a top issue for voters in November. Republicans want a win on this topic, which they have been championing for some time now.
Democrats Point the Finger at GOP for Sinking Border-Foreign Aid Deal
All Democrats can do on the border issue is point their fingers at their Republican colleagues for scuttling a deal that would have provided funding for border security as well as foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan in early February.
Expect Trial to Start and End Quickly Amid Pressing Funding Measures
If a group of Republicans entreats McConnell to take up a full Senate investigation into the alleged high crimes and misdemeanors of Mayorkas on the border issue, it will not pass, as the Democrats have a secure majority, and finger-pointing will be the order of the day.
