The Republican majority in the House is pressing forward with its impeachment initiatives, targeting Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and President Joe Biden.
Despite internal conflicts and a narrow majority, the GOP is more confident about proceeding against Mayorkas.
GOP prioritize Mayorkas impeachment, Biden probe faces uncertainty
Representative Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) emphasized this priority, stating, “The case is so clear on Secretary Mayorkas… The case is clear on the border. We should focus on the clear case first.”
While House Republicans unanimously endorsed an impeachment inquiry into Biden, the support for actual impeachment remains tentative.
Investigations focusing primarily on Hunter Biden’s foreign business activities have yet to implicate the president conclusively. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) expressed this uncertainty to CNN: “There’s little question that he was peddling a brand… That doesn’t mean it implicates the president.”
The slim House majority further complicates this effort, as acknowledged by Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.): “I don’t think we have the votes for it now,” adding that investigations are ongoing.
Transition to Mayorkas impeachment amidst Biden investigations
The Biden investigations, drawing close to an end, are anticipated to produce a final report with potential recommendations for impeachment articles.
Key witness depositions, including Hunter Biden’s, are expected to be pivotal in these final stages. The focus on Mayorkas coincides with rising concerns over the U.S.-Mexico border.
Many Republicans see a more compelling case in linking Mayorkas to border policies than in pursuing Biden over unproven allegations.
The White House and Hunter Biden have consistently denied any misconduct.
Republicans accelerate impeachment process for Mayorkas
Efforts against Mayorkas have gained momentum, with a planned markup of an impeachment resolution set for January 31.
Unlike Biden’s case, the House skipped a formal impeachment inquiry vote and proceeded directly to hearings after an investigation into border issues.
Two impeachment hearings for Mayorkas have already taken place, signaling the GOP’s urgent approach.
Following the second hearing, GOP members of the Homeland Security Committee stated, “Congress must exercise its constitutional duty and impeach Secretary Mayorkas.”
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Partisan debate over Mayorkas’s impeachment, immigration Policies
Democrats, led by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), criticized the rush and the perceived politicization of policy differences, emphasizing the need for more resources at the border.
Despite the momentum, the success of Mayorkas’s impeachment in the House remains uncertain. Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) is actively garnering support.
Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) remains undecided, highlighting the drastic nature of impeachment and potential future repercussions.
Republicans accuse Mayorkas of not adhering to immigration laws and failing to achieve operational control of the border as defined under the Secure Fence Act.
Mayorka accusations and political motives amidst impeachment uncertainty
They argue this constitutes a violation of his oath of office and dereliction of duty. The Department of Homeland Security deems these accusations politically motivated and baseless.
Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) views the Mayorkas focus as a shift from a stagnating Biden impeachment investigation.
Republicans, he suggests, are using this to emphasize border issues for political gain.
Even if the House impeaches Mayorkas or Biden, few Republicans expect the Senate to convict.
Rep. McCaul’s confidence in Mayorkas case amid GOP’s varied priorities
Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) remains confident in building a case against Mayorkas, contrasting with the cautious approach towards Biden’s impeachment.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) hopes the investigation will lead to future legislation on influence peddling, regardless of impeachment outcomes.
The GOP faces numerous political challenges, from government funding to foreign aid, which may dilute the impact of impeachment efforts.
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) stresses the importance of focus amidst these varied issues.
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