El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells appeared on FOX News Live, advocating for a permanent border wall solution and a more assertive approach towards China and Mexico in addressing the influx of fentanyl into the United States. This comes as House Democrats, with the support of eight Republicans, voted down an effort led by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a straight up or down vote.
The eight Republicans who joined Democrats in the 209-201 vote to defeat the impeachment effort were Reps. Ken Buck, R-Colo., Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Tom McClintock, R-Calif., Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., John Duarte, R-Calif., Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., and Mike Turner, R-Ohio. Notably, 11 Democrats and 12 Republicans did not vote on the measure.
Expressing her disappointment, Greene posted a video on X, stating that the eight Republicans voted to protect Mayorkas from impeachment, which she found “unbelievable.” In response, Rep. McClintock’s office directed Digital to a press release explaining that the allegations against Mayorkas did not meet the threshold for impeachment as outlined in the Constitution. However, McClintock acknowledged the need to hold Mayorkas accountable for his failures.
Similarly, Rep. Foxx emphasized that while Mayorkas must be held accountable, the allegations against him do not warrant impeachment. Rep. Buck echoed this sentiment, stating that while he strongly disagrees with Mayorkas’ handling of the border, it does not constitute an impeachable offense.
Contrary to claims that the impeachment effort was killed, Rep. Turner clarified that an ongoing investigation into Mayorkas is being conducted by the House Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Mark Green. Once the investigation is complete, fully documented Articles of Impeachment can be referred to the House for passage.
On the other hand, Rep. Issa expressed his belief that Mayorkas deserves to face an impeachment trial and eagerly awaits the opportunity to testify. He emphasized the importance of hearings that would require Democrats to defend President Biden’s handling of the border crisis.
Responding to the vote, the Department of Homeland Security accused Congress of wasting time and urged them to focus on funding the government, reforming the immigration system, and passing the Administration’s supplemental request to combat fentanyl and enhance border security.
Mayorkas has faced significant criticism from Republicans for presiding over record levels of illegal immigration, including over 600,000 “gotaways” at the southern border in fiscal year 2023 and the release of over 900,000 illegal immigrants into the interior of the United States by the Border Patrol in the same year.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas continues to divide lawmakers. While some Republicans argue for immediate impeachment, others believe that ongoing investigations and hearings will hold Mayorkas accountable for his actions. Meanwhile, concerns over border security and the influx of fentanyl from China and Mexico remain at the forefront of the discussion.
