If there has been one persistent issue across the last several Democratic administrations, it is the southern border.
The mere presence of a Democrat in the White House tends to fuel mass migration to the United States, as the penalties for illegally entering America are often lessened during these times, and border security itself is often a bit lackadaisical.
But under the Biden administration, things has simply gotten out of hand, and Republicans in the House are looking to hold someone accountable for it.
Twenty Republicans on Tuesday demanded that the House move to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in the next Congress, another sign that border issues will play a major part of the Republican oversight agenda next year.
The lawmakers, led by GOP Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, accused Mayorkas of not taking seriously the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Secretary Mayorkas has released more than 1 million illegal aliens into the country,” said Biggs. “Most of these released illegal aliens will never be heard from again.”
This would be no easy feat, however.
To impeach a federal official, the House must first pass a resolution presenting its case for whatever crime or misconduct was committed that requires removal from office, which can pass with a simple majority vote. After the House vote, the Senate sits in trial and the chief justice of the Supreme Court presides.
The Senate then votes whether to convict or acquit the individual. Two-thirds of the Senate, 67 votes if all are present, is needed to convict. Democrats will hold 51 seats in the Senate next year, making it impossible to convict Mayorkas or anyone else without help from 18 Democrats.
The White House has received persistent criticism regarding its border policies, with many on both sides of the aisle suggesting that it has been inadequate at best.
