US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has requested Senate leadership hold a full impeachment trial for Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
The US House of Representatives approved articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas last February.
Mayorkas’ impeachment is the first of its kind in the last 150 years.
Specifically, House Republicans accuse Mayorkas of intentional flouting of immigration laws and for lying to Congress.
Democrats have dismissed Republicans’ accusations as politically motivated and baseless.
Mayorkas’ impeachment trial is expected to begin after House members deliver the articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday.
Senate Democrat leadership, which currently controls the Senate, has signaled it will not hold a full trial.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) defined the House’s impeachment articles as a “sham.”
“This sham impeachment effort is another embarrassment for House Republicans,” said Majority Leader Schumer.
Schumer selected Senate Pro Tempore President Senator Patty Murry (D-WSH) to preside over the trial.
While the exact schedule for Mayorkas’ trial has not yet been released, Democrats, and even some Republicans, have stated they will quickly vote to dismiss the charges.
Other Senate Republicans have requested a full trial, which would include evidence presentation and lengthy debate culminating in a final conviction vote.
Senator Scott claimed Mayorkas’ actions morally require the Senate to consider convicting him via full trial.
“Mayorkas has blatantly lied to Congress & refused to comply with the law. Americans have died & our nation is being invaded as a result,” said Scott.
.@SecMayorkas has blatantly lied to Congress & refused to comply with the law. Americans have died & our nation is being invaded as a result.
The Senate is obligated to hold a trial. Democrats’ lawlessness must be exposed & accounted for. pic.twitter.com/OwIeYvNpyR
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 9, 2024
However, regardless if Scott’s request is fulfilled, Democrats’ Senate majority suggests Mayorkas’ impeachment will ultimately fail.
