WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — The House will formally move forward with steps to impeach U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green confirmed to NewsNation.
Several House Republicans have been pushing to impeach Mayorkas over the past months. They say Mayorkas should be removed from his job due to his handling of the southern border. This comes as Speaker Mike Johnson leads a delegation of House members to the southern border Wednesday.
Green announced a full committee hearing for next Wednesday, Jan. 10, to evaluate the impact of “Mayorkas’ failed leadership” on the border.
“For almost three years, the American people have demanded an end to the unprecedented crisis at the Southwest border, and they have also rightly called for Congress to hold accountable those responsible,” Green said. “That’s why the House Committee on Homeland Security led a comprehensive investigation into the causes, costs, and consequences of this crisis.”
He continued, “Our investigation made clear that this crisis finds its foundation in Secretary Mayorkas’ decision-making and refusal to enforce the laws passed by Congress, and that his failure to fulfill his oath of office demands accountability.”
“It’s clear that as long as Secretary Mayorkas remains in office, our border will remain unsecured and vulnerable to human and drug trafficking,” said Texas Republican Beth Van Duyne.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., moved twice to force votes on impeaching Mayorkas last fall.
The House shelved the first resolution after eight Republicans voted with Democrats to refer the measure to the Homeland Security Committee, again dealing a blow to one of Greene’s procedural gambits and teeing up a public spat between her and another GOP lawmaker — Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. — who criticized her and her efforts.
Greene called off her second attempt after she said Johnson “guaranteed that we’ll be moving forward with impeachment” for Mayorkas. But the episode did not conclude without Greene taking a clear shot at Johnson.
“It’s still early in his Speakership, so I have given him — I’ve been patient, but the honeymoon’s over,” Greene said of Johnson minutes after she moved to force a second vote. “So at this point, yes, I’m frustrated.”
While California Republican Tom McClintock agrees Mayorkas has failed to maintain operational control of the border, he says impeaching him would be a mistake.
California Democrat Rep. Ted Lieu says Republicans are wasting their time.
NMW and The Hill contributed to this report.