Manchin Statement On Vote To Dismiss Impeachment Charges Against Secretary Mayorkas

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his decision to vote to dismiss the impeachment charges against U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

“Illegal immigration across our Southern Border is the most dangerous threat facing our country today and President Biden is responsible for allowing the situation to get out-of-hand. However, my Republican friends in Congress also bear the responsibility of making it worse by refusing to even vote for one of the strongest, most sensible border security bills in decades that was endorsed by the 18,000 Border Patrol agents fighting every day to secure our country.

“Impeachment is among the most solemn powers Congress possesses. The purpose is not to punish wrongdoing, but to preserve our constitutional government by removing treacherous and unfit officials from positions of public trust. Neither of the articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas alleged any corruption, bribery, or any other crime. Instead, the House of Representatives sought to impeach a Cabinet official over a policy disagreement with the President.

“I voted to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas to avoid setting the dangerous precedent that this solemn process could be weaponized again against future Administration officials to score cheap political points. I believe in American democracy and the American people’s ability to settle our policy disputes at the ballot box in November. I urge every American to make their voice heard in the upcoming election because it is clear that the political parties in Washington are broken and will not fix themselves.”