Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is anticipated to act quickly in response to the impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Sources close to the Senate’s workings predict that Schumer will move to dismiss the impeachment charges promptly after they are presented by House impeachment managers in coming days.
Mayorkas, impeached by the House of Representatives in February, was the first Cabinet Secretary to be impeached in 150 years.
Immediate Dismissal or Tabling
The strategy includes potentially scheduling a vote to either dismiss or table the charges immediately. This swift action underscores the Senate Majority Leader’s skepticism towards the validity of the accusations against Mayorkas, signaling a reluctance to allow the impeachment to proceed further.
Alternative Paths Considered
While Schumer has the option to refer the matter to a special committee for further examination, there’s significant concern among Democrats that such a move could inadvertently legitimize the charges.
The criticisms Schumer has leveled at the impeachment efforts highlight his view of them as unfounded, politically motivated, and nonsensical.
Minimal Senate Floor Time Expected
A Senate Republican aide, speaking on the condition of anonymity, conveyed that the impeachment is unlikely to occupy much of the Senate’s time. This indicates a lack of appetite for a full trial or extended debate on the matter, suggesting a desire to conclude the process swiftly.
Voting Dynamics
The dismissal or tabling of the charges against Mayorkas would require a simple majority vote in the Senate. Given the Democrats’ narrow majority, coupled with skepticism from some Republican senators regarding the strength of the case against Mayorkas, the motion to dismiss stands a good chance of passing.
Republican Skepticism
Several Republican senators, including Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitt Romney, have expressed reservations about the impeachment. Their concerns range from the distraction it poses from legislative duties to doubts about the allegations’ basis, highlighting the political divide over Mayorkas’s impeachment.
Democratic Dismissal
Democrats, led by Schumer, have consistently criticized the impeachment effort as lacking substantive evidence of any impeachable offenses. Schumer’s remarks to the press underscored this position, dismissing the charges as baseless and a misuse of the impeachment process.
The Senate’s Role as Jurors
Following the presentation of the impeachment articles, the Senate will transition into its role as jurors in the trial. Schumer’s office has indicated that this phase is expected to last at least two days, with senators being sworn in and the process formally underway.
House Republicans’ Appeal for a Full Trial
House Republicans, spearheaded by Speaker Mike Johnson, have urged Schumer to conduct a thorough trial on the Senate floor. Their letter to Schumer emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional duties and giving the charges against Mayorkas a fair hearing.
The High Bar for Removal
For Mayorkas to be removed from office, a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required. Given the current political landscape and the expressed views of several senators, achieving this threshold appears highly unlikely.
GOP Leadership’s Position
Senate Republican Whip John Thune has advocated for a fair trial, allowing House GOP prosecutors ample time to present their case. This stance contrasts with the broader expectation that Democrats will seek a quick dismissal of the charges.
Historical Context
Comparisons have been drawn to the 2010 impeachment of Louisiana Judge Thomas Porteous, where the Senate deferred a floor vote by referring the case to a special committee. However, the substantial evidence against Porteous and the current skepticism surrounding the charges against Mayorkas highlight the differences between the two situations.
Republican Views on the Charges
Even among Republicans, there’s a perception that the case against Mayorkas is weak. This sentiment, shared by members of the Senate, questions the impeachment’s foundation and underscores the political motivations behind it.
Conclusion
As the Senate prepares to address the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas, the direction and outcome of the process remain closely watched. With Schumer poised to move quickly towards dismissal, and bipartisan skepticism about the charges’ validity, the impeachment effort faces significant hurdles, reflecting the complex interplay of political strategy and constitutional responsibility.
