The Senate is gearing up to swiftly handle the House GOP’s highly-publicized impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Republicans in both chambers have touted their push for the Senate to remove Mayorkas from his position in response to his management of the southern border—a vote that required two attempts to succeed in the House. Yet, as the House concludes its impeachment proceedings, some Senate Democrats anticipate that the outcome will be less dramatic than anticipated.
“We see it as a mere spectacle,” remarked Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) regarding Senate Democrats’ perspective on the Mayorkas impeachment. “I suspect the inclination will be to wrap it up quickly so we can concentrate on [spending], the [national security aid debate] … and we also intend to address the House’s bipartisan tax reform bill.”
Mayorkas Impeachment Trial Outlook: Anticipate a Dull Affair (Credits: The Hill)
Kaine also noted that while the procedural format of any Mayorkas trial remains undecided, Democrats possess mechanisms to expedite the process from the outset.
“There are various options. Should we file a motion to dismiss? Should we refer it back to committee? It’s uncertain what leadership will opt for,” he stated.
A motion to dismiss the impeachment articles against Mayorkas would not be unprecedented. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) attempted a similar motion during former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial, albeit unsuccessfully.
Senate Democratic leadership has outlined preliminary plans for the trial. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office announced that House impeachment managers will deliver the articles of impeachment to the Senate following this week’s recess. Senators will then be sworn in as jurors the subsequent day, with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) presiding over the proceedings.
Schumer himself has denounced the Mayorkas impeachment as a “sham,” asserting that “House Republicans failed to present any evidence of anything resembling an impeachable offense.”
Nevertheless, Senate conservatives continue to advocate for further action. A coalition of them penned a letter on Tuesday urging Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to “ensure that the Senate conducts a proper trial,” with 13 Senate Republicans endorsing the initiative.
However, such saber-rattling has its limits. McConnell lacks control over Senate floor proceedings, and numerous Republican members have expressed skepticism about the House’s justification for impeaching Mayorkas in the first place.
