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Senate Dismisses First of Two Impeachment Charges Against Mayorkas
Senate Dismisses First of Two Impeachment Charges Against Mayorkas
The Senate dismissed the first of two articles of impeachment against Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, by a vote of 51 to 48, with one senator voting “present.” The charge accused him of failing to enforce immigration laws.
Quick Facts
- The Senate dismissed the first article of impeachment against Alejandro N. Mayorkas by a vote of 51 to 48.
- Republicans united in opposition, except for Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who voted “present,” while Democrats were unanimous in favor.
- The second article of impeachment against Mr. Mayorkas, alleging a breach of the public trust, was expected to be voted on later on Wednesday.
The Senate ruled that the charge was unconstitutional because it failed to meet the constitutional bar of a high crime or misdemeanor. Republicans opposed the charge, while Democrats argued that a cabinet member cannot be impeached and removed merely for carrying out the policies of the administration he serves.
Republicans warned that skipping an impeachment trial altogether would set a dangerous precedent, while Democrats moved to strike down the second article of impeachment against Mr. Mayorkas, thus skipping the trial altogether.
Mr. Mayorkas is the first sitting cabinet member in United States history to be impeached. Unlike Mr. Belknap, Mr. Mayorkas was never accused of corruption or any crime other than carrying out immigration policies that Republicans oppose.
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