House Republicans faced a significant setback on Tuesday when their attempt to impeach Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas fell short, with three Republicans breaking ranks to vote against the measure. Despite the initial failure, there is anticipation that the vote could eventually succeed, particularly with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expected to return from ongoing cancer treatments, possibly as soon as next week. However, the failed impeachment vote underscores the challenges faced by House Republicans as their majority slowly diminishes, primarily due to retirements and expulsions in recent months.
Absence of Key Figures
Notably absent from the failed impeachment vote were two prominent figures: former Rep. George Santos of New York and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Santos faced expulsion by a significant margin in December following a damning report from the House Ethics Committee and mounting frustration over his conduct. McCarthy, on the other hand, opted to resign at the end of 2023 after facing pressure from fellow Republicans, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, to step down from the speakership. Both Santos and McCarthy were perceived as potential supporters of the impeachment effort against Mayorkas.
Reflections on Their Absence
The absence of Santos and McCarthy during the crucial vote did not go unnoticed, prompting reflections on their potential impact on the outcome. Gaetz took to Twitter to express his sentiment, lamenting the absence of Santos and suggesting that his presence could have influenced the impeachment vote. Similarly, Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida questioned the wisdom of Santos’ expulsion, raising doubts about whether it was a worthwhile decision for the party. Meanwhile, Santos himself voiced frustration over his expulsion, lamenting that his removal left America “stuck with Mayorkas for 6 more weeks.”
Differing Perspectives on McCarthy
Opinions within the Republican Party diverged regarding McCarthy’s resignation and its implications for the impeachment proceedings. Gaetz criticized McCarthy’s decision as “abject selfishness,” suggesting that his departure following the loss of the speakership was indicative of a lack of commitment to the party’s objectives. In contrast, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky viewed McCarthy’s removal as a misstep, characterizing it as an “unmitigated disaster” that has contributed to the shrinking majority within the party.
As House Republicans navigate the aftermath of the failed impeachment vote and grapple with the departures of key figures like Santos and McCarthy, they confront broader questions about party unity, leadership, and strategy moving forward. The repercussions of these developments are likely to reverberate within the party as it seeks to address internal divisions and redefine its priorities in the coming months.
