Senate Republicans delay impeachment articles against Mayorkas until next week

The House plans to send impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate next week. This delay is due to Senate Republicans needing more time to figure out how to handle the situation.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Johnson, Taylor Haulsee, stated that the House will ensure the Senate has enough time to fulfill its duty by transmitting the articles of impeachment. It is important for the Senate to not neglect its responsibility to conduct an impeachment trial.

House Republican leaders had originally planned to send the articles to the Senate on Wednesday. However, some Senate Republicans asked Speaker Mike Johnson to wait before transferring them. They wanted more time to gather support to block a potential motion from Democrats to dismiss the trial.

Louisiana GOP Sen. John Kennedy revealed on Tuesday that they had requested Speaker Johnson to delay sending over the articles until Monday. This would give them a full week to prepare. Kennedy also mentioned that they were curious to see if Senator Schumer would respect the extra time given.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune shared why some Senate Republicans are advocating for a delay in the impeachment articles coming from the House. He mentioned that some members of his party have been in contact with the House regarding this issue.

Thune emphasized the importance of allowing the Senate to have thorough discussions when the articles are received. He suggested that it may be more beneficial to have these discussions at a later time, rather than rushing to address them immediately after receiving the articles.

He mentioned that it is up to the speaker to decide, but it is clear that our members want the chance to not only discuss but also vote on the issues they want to address, sometimes these will be points of order.

When asked if Johnson is thinking about a delay, Thune replied, "That's something you will have to ask him. We have members who have been in contact with the House regarding this matter, but all I can share is what he has already stated, which is the plan to send it here tomorrow."

CNN’s Kristin Wilson and Ted Barrett contributed.

Editor's P/S:

The House's delay in sending impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate highlights the ongoing political divide within the Republican Party. Some Senate Republicans are seeking more time to rally support for blocking a potential Democratic motion to dismiss the trial, while others prioritize thorough discussions and a strategic approach. This delay reflects the complex dynamics at play within the party and the challenges facing the Senate as it prepares to conduct the impeachment trial.

The article emphasizes the importance of the Senate fulfilling its responsibility to conduct a fair and impartial trial. The House's decision to transmit the articles on Monday, giving the Senate a full week to prepare, demonstrates the House's commitment to ensuring that the Senate has adequate time to carry out its constitutional duty. The Senate's response to this delay will be closely scrutinized, as it will provide insights into the party's willingness to engage in a fair and transparent process.