Central South Dakota News

Senator Mike Rounds and 41 Republican Senate colleagues, led by Senator Lindsey Graham, have called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to hold a trial to consider the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In a letter to Schumer, the senators emphasized the urgency of addressing the border crisis, stating, "Our brave men and women at Customs and Border Protection have worked tirelessly to make our nation safer, yet with 7.5 million encounters since President Biden took office, our southern border is a national security disaster."

The letter highlighted the significant increase in border encounters under Secretary Mayorkas's leadership, pointing out that encounters in fiscal year 2023 rose by a startling 440% over fiscal year 2020. The senators expressed deep concern over the impact of the border crisis on American communities, with a specific focus on the safety and well-being of the American people.

The senators underscored the gravity of the situation by referencing the formal accusation made by the House of Representatives against Secretary Mayorkas for demeaning his office. They stressed the importance of conducting a Senate trial to allow the American people to hear the evidence and ensure accountability in the Court of Impeachment.

The letter urged Schumer to uphold the Senate's constitutional responsibility and emphasized the historical precedent of holding trials in similar cases of impeachment. The senators emphasized the significance of the Senate's role in judging impeachments, citing Alexander Hamilton's description of the power to try impeachments as an "important trust" bestowed upon the Senate by the framers.

In conclusion, the senators called for Schumer to proceed with a trial, citing the longstanding tradition of conducting trials in cases of impeachment. The demand reflects the senators' commitment to addressing the border crisis and ensuring transparency and accountability in the impeachment process.