The Senate is gearing up for a contentious battle over the impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Democrats are poised to swiftly dismiss the articles, while Republicans are adamant about a full trial. The House sent the articles to the Senate on Tuesday, with senators set to be sworn in as jurors on Wednesday.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not outlined the trial's procedural handling. However, Democratic senators, along with some Republicans, anticipate a move to dismiss the case before a full trial. Democrats could pass a motion to dismiss or table the articles with a simple majority vote as early as Wednesday.
It is unlikely that the chamber will vote to convict, as it requires a two-thirds majority vote. Senate Republicans are seeking a time agreement with Democrats to allow floor debate and procedural votes. If no agreement is reached, the process duration remains uncertain.
Mayorkas is the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in nearly 150 years. House Republicans impeached him in February over his border handling. Democrats criticized the impeachment as a political stunt, emphasizing that policy disagreements do not warrant a Cabinet official's impeachment.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell opposes tabling the articles, stressing the Senate's responsibility to consider them thoroughly. Some hard-right Republican senators aim for a full trial, but their efforts may not gain enough support.
Vulnerable Democratic senators may face pressure over their vote on dismissing or tabling the articles. Democratic Sen. Bob Casey plans to vote to dismiss, deeming it a partisan exercise. Sen. Jon Tester did not disclose his stance before reading the articles.
Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray will oversee the proceedings. Multiple constitutional experts suggest the evidence for impeachment falls short of the constitutional bar. Mayorkas defended his leadership, labeling the impeachment as a baseless political attack.
The White House highlighted Republicans' obstruction of a bipartisan border deal as evidence of their lack of seriousness about border security. Earlier this year, Senate Republicans blocked a significant bipartisan border deal after months of negotiations.
