Camila Francisco
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office announced today a delay in sending articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate until next week.
This decision comes amidst Republican contemplation of tactics to exert political pressure on Democrats, including the threat of disrupting Senate operations.
Originally slated for transmission on Wednesday, the articles will now be forwarded “next week to ensure the Senate has adequate time to perform its constitutional duty,” stated Taylor Haulsee, a spokesperson for Johnson.
The postponement follows personal appeals from Senate Republicans to the speaker, urging him to allow more time for Senate deliberation. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, a close ally of Speaker Johnson, emphasized the importance of giving senators ample opportunity to scrutinize the administration’s alleged abuses.
“It makes no sense to have them go through all that time and effort to highlight the abuse of this administration, only to have [the articles] come over here and get snuffed out,” remarked Senator Ron Johnson.
While Senate Democrats, in the majority, had planned to swiftly dismiss or table the Mayorkas impeachment articles this week, Republicans have been adamant about pressing for a comprehensive Senate trial focused on Mayorkas’ border security actions.
“There is no reason whatsoever for the Senate to abdicate its responsibility to hold an impeachment trial,” asserted Haulsee.
On Tuesday, Republicans issued a stern warning to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer that failure to agree to a full trial could result in a procedural blockade halting all Senate business.
Senator Johnson underscored the potential chaos, noting the Senate’s reliance on unanimous consent for basic functions. “Moving forward, we may not be providing that consent,” he cautioned.
Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri echoed the sentiment, suggesting there should be repercussions for Schumer’s stance.
The possibility of a Republican blockade looms, signaling escalating tensions within the Senate over the handling of Mayorkas’ impeachment.
