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House Delays Sending Impeachment Articles Against Mayorkas to Senate

The House delays sending impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate until Monday, offering the GOP more time to strategize. Senate Democrats aim to swiftly conclude the trial, but uncertainties persist amid the closely divided chamber.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks with reporters after a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, on March 20, 2024. | Francis Chung/POLITICO

In a strategic move, the House of Representatives has decided to postpone sending impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate until Monday. This delay provides the GOP with additional time to formulate a strategy regarding the impending trial.

Initially, House Republicans intended to present the articles on Wednesday, with the expectation of a prompt dismissal of the trial by Thursday. However, GOP senators expressed a desire to avoid any potential absences on their side, which could narrow the Democrats’ margin for error in the closely divided 51-49 chamber. This scenario would require every Democratic senator to vote to table or dismiss the trial to prevent a lengthy impeachment process.

“To ensure the Senate has adequate time to perform its constitutional duty, the House will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate next week,” stated Taylor Haulsee, a spokesperson for Speaker Mike Johnson.

Senate Democrats had planned to swiftly conclude the trial, necessitating a majority vote in the chamber. However, several moderate Democrats facing reelection this year have not committed to supporting a motion to dismiss. Additionally, Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) expressed skepticism regarding any GOP senators voting with Democrats to abandon the trial, emphasizing the significance of the numbers game.

While Senate conservatives advocate for a comprehensive trial, the likelihood of such an outcome appears slim. Democrats remain steadfast in their objective to expedite the trial proceedings. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reaffirmed this stance, asserting confidence in moving forward expeditiously.

“We’re ready to go whenever they are. We’re sticking with our plan. We’re going to move this as expeditiously as possible,” Schumer affirmed to reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

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