Staff Reports
The House of Representatives is gearing up for a big vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is feeling confident that they’ll have the votes to make it happen, despite facing some resistance from a few Republicans. The tension is palpable as the GOP leadership is walking a tightrope, with little room for error, especially with the possibility of vacant seats and absences. But Johnson is holding his ground, expressing his belief that there’s enough support to impeach Mayorkas.
The rumblings of discontent within the Republican ranks began last week when Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) spoke out against the impeachment, arguing that there isn’t enough evidence to support such drastic measures. The situation got even trickier on Tuesday when Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) announced his decision to vote against the resolution just hours before it was set to go to the floor. Johnson acknowledged the weight of the decision these members are facing and said he respects their choices, even as it adds another layer of complexity for the GOP leadership.
With a slim majority, the House Republicans are playing a high-stakes game. They have 219 Republicans and 212 Democrats, meaning they need to secure 216 “yes” votes to impeach Mayorkas. The margin is tight, and any absence or holdout could spell disaster for their plans. Even Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) expressed apprehension about the impeachment resolution, leaving his support uncertain. There’s also a question mark hanging over Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and where he stands on the motion.
The resolution itself introduces two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, a move brought forward by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). Greene didn’t hold back, suggesting that any Republicans voting against the measure are failing their oath of office. That’s a heavy accusation, one that’s sure to stir up even more drama within the party.
If the resolution passes, the next stop is the Senate, where lawmakers will weigh in on whether to convict Mayorkas on the charges. The stakes are undeniably high, as Mayorkas has the potential to become the first Cabinet member to be impeached since way back in 1876.
This showdown is one for the history books, and it’s clear that the Republican Party is rife with tension and division on this issue. With the vote looming, the pressure is on, and the consequences of this decision could be felt for a long time to come.
