House Votes to Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas; Senate Trial Unlikely to Result in Removal
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The House voted 214-213 to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday, the first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary in nearly 150 years.
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Republicans accused Mayorkas of "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and a "breach of public trust" in his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border.
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The impeachment matter now heads to the Senate, which has the sole power to convict and remove officials. Conviction is unlikely given the Democratic majority.
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Exactly how the Senate will handle the impeachment trial remains uncertain, as rules suggest it must start the next day but could be dismissed or delayed.
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The effort is expected to fail in the Senate, but will put senators on record with their votes. Senate Majority Leader Schumer said the trial will start Feb. 26 after a recess.