Congressman Ken Buck of Colorado will not join in the effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Buck told reporters that he is a “solid” no on the issue unlike many of his fellow Republicans because he believes there is insufficient evidence to convict Mayorkas.
“I’ve talked to constitutional experts on the outside. I’ve talked to former members about the impact that this would have in the future,” he said, per The Hill. “The people I’m talking to … agree that this just isn’t an impeachable offense.”
The House Homeland Security Committee approved two articles of impeachment against the Department of Homeland Security secretary on Jan. 3. A floor vote on the matter could be held next week.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is in favor of the effort to oust Mayorkas, who has been accused of being derelict in his duty and allowing over 6 million illegal immigrants to enter the United States.
“Since the moment he was confirmed, Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and consistently refused to comply with federal immigration laws, fueling the worst border catastrophe in American history,” said Johnson in a statement. “He has undermined public trust through multiple false statements to Congress, obstructed lawful oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, and violated his oath of office. I commend the House Homeland Security Committee for conducting a thorough and exhaustive investigation into Secretary Mayorkas’s failed leadership of the department and his role in the ongoing border crisis.”
Buck has previously been openly critical of Mayorkas and his performance as a member of President Joe Biden’s cabinet.
"Many of my constituents have asked me whether you will be impeached when Republicans gain control next year. They don't believe that you've committed a high crime and they don't believe that you've committed a misdemeanor. My constituents want you impeached because they believe that you've committed treason," the congressman told Mayorkas in April of 2022 when the secretary testified before Congress. "They believe you are a traitor and compare you to Benedict Arnold."
At the time of his remark, Buck’s office noted that 2.4 million illegal immigrants had been apprehended by border agents since Biden took office and that Customs and Border Protection agents had seized over 11,000 pounds of fentanyl.
Buck announced in November that he would be retiring at the end of his current term. During an interview with MSNBC, the Republican said he has always been “disappointed with our inability in Congress to deal with major issues.”
“I’m also disappointed that the Republican Party continues to, you know, rely on this lie that the 2020 election was stolen, and rely on the January 6th narrative, and the political prisoners from January 6th and other things,” added Buck. “If we’re going to solve difficult problems we got to deal with some very unpleasant truths — or lies — and make sure we project to the public what the truth is.”
