Tensions have escalated between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the White House over the response to the border crisis in Eagle Pass, Texas. As the border area remains a focal point of dispute, House Republicans are moving forward with articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas include 'willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law' and 'breach of the public trust.'
Republicans argue that Mayorkas is not merely a messenger carrying out administration policies, but rather an architect of destruction. They point to statistics such as 8 million encounters at the border, with 300 individuals on the terror watch list and 200 million deaths due to fentanyl poisoning. Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, who previously served as chairman of Homeland Security, contends that Mayorkas knowingly implemented policies that have led to these negative outcomes, making it a dereliction of duty.
Democratic Congressman Jake Auchincloss disagrees, stating that impeachment is inappropriate for policy differences and suggests engaging in bipartisan discussions on border policy. However, Congressman McCaul, after visiting the Texas-Mexico border himself, asserts that the situation is worse than ever before. He highlights the overflow of detention spaces and the release of undocumented individuals into society, deeming it unsustainable and a great injury to the state.
McCaul criticizes the executive orders and changes in policy implemented by President Biden, which he believes contributed to the deteriorating situation at the border. He suggests that if President Biden revoked these executive orders and reinstated the 'Remain in Mexico' policy, which requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico pending their asylum applications, it would help secure the border.
As the discussions continue, members of Congress are also navigating other foreign policy matters. The issue of funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has surfaced, with allegations that some employees were involved in terror attacks in October. The Trump administration had previously cut funding to UNRWA due to concerns about its activities. However, Congressman McCaul suggests that aid can still be provided through other non-governmental organizations like the World Food Program.
Additionally, there are concerns over unauthorized U.S. strikes in Yemen against Houthi targets. A bipartisan group of House members has written a letter to President Biden, urging him to seek authorization from Congress, as they believe these strikes may violate the Constitution. Congressman McCaul agrees in part, suggesting that Congress should authorize the use of force against Iranian proxies like the Houthi rebels. He argues that these proxies, along with other global actors, have taken advantage of a perceived projection of weakness.
It remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved and if the House will vote on measures such as Ukrainian aid, either attached or separate from border-related legislation. The push for accountability and solutions continues on multiple fronts, both domestically and internationally.
