In a tight congressional vote on Capitol Hill, a resolution to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, the current cabinet secretary, has been narrowly defeated. The vote was tied at 215 to 215, with all Democrats having cast their ballots. It was noted that Republicans could only afford to lose three votes, and with three Republicans already voting against impeachment, the outcome hinged on the decision of the one remaining Republican who had not yet voted.
The significance of this vote lies in the fact that it has been over a century since a cabinet official has been impeached. Republicans who supported the impeachment highlighted that it sends a message, even though they admit that there may not be enough votes in the Senate for a conviction. The aim was to fulfill a promise made in the House of Representatives to impeach Mayorkas, while some Republicans originally intended to impeach President Biden.
