Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) leveled accusations against Democrats, alleging a strategic concealment of one of their members in an attempt to thwart the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Saturday night.
Leading the impeachment endeavor alongside fellow House Republicans, Greene voiced her concerns to reporters outside the Capitol, characterizing the Democrats’ actions as a calculated maneuver to obscure their voting intentions until the eleventh hour.
“We can essentially view this as a strategic move, unfortunately,” Greene remarked.
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“They concealed one of their members, holding off until the last moment while monitoring the CR votes, aiming to disrupt the numerical advantage we held versus what they possessed… it was a tactical play at work tonight.”
Although Greene refrained from specifying the particular Democrat in question, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) abstained from voting on any bills preceding the impeachment vote, including a resolution concerning the extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission.
Scalise’s office attributed his absence to health reasons, precluding his involvement in the impeachment proceedings on the House floor.
Despite Republicans holding a majority in the House, the impeachment motion against Mayorkas faltered by a vote margin of 226-204.
Four Republicans – Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Blake Moore (R-UT), Tom McClintock (R-CA), and Ken Buck (R-CO) – deviated from party lines, dissenting against the impeachment, which, if successful, would have marked the first removal of a Cabinet secretary since 1876.
The impeachment resolution cited “high crimes and misdemeanors” in Mayorkas’s management of the border crisis, the Afghanistan withdrawal, and the domestic terrorism threat, alleging violations of his oath of office, the Constitution, and federal law.
Mayorkas, confirmed by the Senate in February 2023, defended his actions and policies as lawful and essential for national security and interests.
While receiving criticism from some Democrats and immigration advocates for maintaining certain restrictive measures from the Trump administration, such as Title 42 permitting the expulsion of migrants without due process, Mayorkas expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden and House Democrats for their backing, pledging continued service with “honor and integrity.”
House Democrats dismissed the impeachment as a “political stunt” and a “waste of time,” emphasizing their dedication to addressing national issues and enhancing the lives of ordinary Americans.
In a pre-vote statement on X, House Democrats asserted, “House Democrats are focused on solutions, not stunts… We are committed to putting People Over Politics to make life better for everyday Americans.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) lauded Mayorkas as a “patriot” and a “leader,” highlighting his tireless efforts in safeguarding the country and upholding its values.
