Republicans split on taking fast-tracked approach to Mayorkas impeachment
Cami Mondeaux
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As Republicans push to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, members of the party are split on how the GOP should approach the inquiry, as some lawmakers urge to move the process forward while others view a fast-track strategy as a political mistake.
Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) introduced the articles of impeachment in the House on Monday, accusing Mayorkas of committing high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles follow through with pledges from several Republican lawmakers who vowed they would impeach the DHS secretary once the GOP took control of the House.
MAYORKAS HAS NO PLANS TO RESIGN AFTER REPUBLICANS WORK TO IMPEACH HIM
“Secretary Mayorkas has violated the law and has implemented policies that undermine law enforcement activities at our southern border,” Fallon said in a statement. “Secretary Mayorkas has proven time and time again that he is unfit to lead the Department of Homeland Security. His willful actions erode our immigration system, undermine border patrol morale, and imperil American national security. He must be removed from office.”
The move received an outpouring of support from other GOP lawmakers, who vowed to follow through with the threat.
In one instance, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) not only supported Fallon’s impeachment inquiry but also indicated that more charges may be on the way.
“I was the first Member of Congress to introduce impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in 2021,” he tweeted. “I will reintroduce these articles with even more justification very soon.”
At least 20 lawmakers have signed on to Fallon’s impeachment inquiry, with the Texas Republican urging his colleagues to begin immediately.
However, not all Republicans are convinced that’s the best strategy. While the GOP is virtually united on the idea that Mayorkas should be investigated, some are warning that a fast-tracked inquiry would be a mistake.
“We need to have hearings on this, and we need to gather evidence and facts and, look, do I think the guy has done a terrible job? Yes,“ Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) told the Hill. “Do I think he’s been derelict in his responsibilities? Yes. But we need to get all this together and do it in a methodical way.”
Other high-profile Republicans outside Congress have also weighed in on the situation, including former Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-AR), who warned lawmakers their inquiry must be based on actual wrongdoing rather than disagreements over policy proposals.
“Well, let me be very clear and answer your question that impeachment proceedings should not be based upon policy. It should be based on wrongdoing,” Hutchinson told Fox Business on Monday. “And so whenever there’s failed policy, let’s investigate and have hearings on that and try to change that policy. That, to me, should be the approach of the Republican Congress.”
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DHS officials pushed back against the impeachment inquiry earlier this week, arguing the accusations are inaccurate and do not meet the constitutional standard to warrant impeachment. Meanwhile, Mayorkas confirmed he has no plans to resign.
“Secretary Mayorkas is proud to advance the noble mission of this department, support its extraordinary workforce, and serve the American people,” a DHS spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “The department will continue our work to enforce our laws and secure our border, while building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. Members of Congress can do better than point the finger at someone else; they should come to the table and work on solutions for our broken system and outdated laws, which they have not updated in over 40 years.”