WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), the vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, released the below statement following Senate Democrats’ refusal to hold a full trial to consider the impeachment charges against U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas:
“It is the constitutional duty given to the U.S. Senate to try all impeachments. That’s why the Senate has held some form of a trial for every impeachment in our history, unless the federal officer resigned prior to a trial. This time should have been no different. I am disappointed in Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats for their inability to follow the Senate rules. It is truly unprecedented. Even the presiding officer, Democrat Senator Patty Murray, said this move would set a precedent, which could have long-term ramifications. Secretary Mayorkas has repeatedly failed to uphold the law and secure our southern border. The actions by all Democrats to prevent the Senate from holding a trial and hearing evidence is not only unconscionable, it’s a disservice to the American people who elected us to do our jobs and uphold our constitutional duty.”
BACKGROUND:
Senator Capito has consistently called for Senate Democrats to hold a full trial for Secretary Mayorkas. Recently, she penned an op-ed for the Washington Examiner, led a number of her Republican colleagues in a series of Senate floor speeches, and spoke at a Senate Republican Leadership press conference on the subject.
Additionally, Senator Capito joined 42 of her Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter – led by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) – to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) calling on the Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty by holding a trial to consider the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas. Click here to read the full letter.
# # #