The Senate recently made a significant decision regarding the impeachment case against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In a rare move, the Senate bypassed the attempt to oust a Cabinet secretary through procedural votes, marking the first such instance in over 150 years.
The Senate trial, which had just commenced, was swiftly brought to an end with a pair of votes that largely followed party lines. Democrats and three independents voted to halt the impeachment process, resulting in a 51-48 vote against considering the first article of impeachment. Notably, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted present during this crucial vote.
Subsequently, the Senate voted 51-49 to dismiss the second article of impeachment, with Senator Murkowski aligning with her party on this decision. Three independent senators, namely Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Angus King of Maine, and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, sided with the Democrats on both votes.
This outcome effectively terminated the Senate trial and prevented the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas. The decision highlights the deep partisan divisions within the Senate, as well as the challenges associated with attempting to remove a Cabinet secretary from office through impeachment.
