The House of Representatives is on the brink of a historic vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, but hesitation among several Republican lawmakers could jeopardize the effort. With a narrow majority, GOP leaders need near-unanimous support within their ranks, as Democrats are expected to oppose the move unanimously. The impeachment would mark a rare event, as a Cabinet official has not been impeached since 1876.
Colorado Representative Ken Buck has publicly declared his opposition to Mayorkas’ impeachment, citing conversations with constitutional experts and former members who believe the secretary’s actions do not constitute an impeachable offense. Despite sharing criticism over Mayorkas’ handling of the southern border crisis, Buck stands firm in his stance.
The uncertainty isn’t limited to Buck. At least four other Republicans, including David Joyce of Ohio, Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Dan Newhouse of Washington, and Tom McClintock of California, have yet to disclose their voting intentions. House Speaker Mike Johnson, navigating one of the smallest majorities in history, faces the challenge of securing enough votes amidst this uncertainty.
The push for Mayorkas’ impeachment centers on accusations of his willful disregard for the law, contributing to the ongoing migrant crisis. Despite the hesitation among some members, the majority of House Republicans, including moderate Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, support the impeachment. Bacon emphasizes the disaster at the border and Mayorkas’ failure to enforce existing laws as key reasons for his decision.
The outcome of the impending vote remains uncertain as GOP leaders work to consolidate their caucus. The effort to impeach Mayorkas underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party and highlights the complexities of navigating a narrow majority in the House.