Senate Democrats on Wednesday derailed the impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by deeming them unconstitutional.
Along party lines and without debate, the two charges related to mishandling illegal immigration at the southern border were rapidly dismissed within roughly three hours of the commencement of the Senate impeachment trial.
All 51 senators of the Democratic Caucus voted in favor of disposing of both articles. For the first article, nearly all Republicans — 48 — voted against. One Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted present.
All Republicans voted against dismissing the second article.
The first article was for “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and the second was for “breach of public trust” by lying to Congress and the public about the border and efforts to control it.
To avoid a full trial, Senate Democratic leader Charles E. Schumer of New York offered Republicans limited debate time and the ability to make motions, such as going to trial. They vehemently rejected and demanded a full trial, prompting Mr. Schumer to move swiftly with motions to rule both articles unconstitutional.
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GOP senators forced votes on nine procedural motions, including to adjourn until later this month, move to a closed session to debate and table Mr. Schumer’s motions to dismiss. All of them failed along party lines. Lacking the debate agreement with Mr. Schumer, Republicans were unable to conduct public debate under Senate impeachment rules.
At one point, Sen. Roger Marshall, Kansas Republican, motioned to adjourn until the morning of Election Day on Nov. 6.
“Our colleagues know that we are obligated to take these proceedings seriously,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican. “This is what our oath prescribes. It’s what the history and precedent require.”