House Republican Not Voting For Mayorkas Impeachment

Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) would not be voting in support of impeaching Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. During a discussion with MSNBC’s “Chris Jansing Reports” on Thursday, he was asked why he had a change of heart and would now be voting against the resolution to impeach Mayorkas.

House Republican Says He Opposes Mayorkas Impeachment https://t.co/TdsVeRKVAj pic.twitter.com/JPPBCr6mD8

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“Republicans can only lose two votes when the full House takes up articles of impeachment next week and we’re just learning they’ve lost one. What led you to decide you will now vote no?” host Jansing asked.

In response, the lawmaker, who would not be pursuing reelection, said that he does not believe that Mayorkas committed an impeachable offense. While he does not agree with the DHS’ secretary’s handling of the border, he does not think he committed a high crime or misdemeanor.

“This is a policy difference. Let me from the outset say there is a crisis on the border. The law needs to be enforced. But if we start going down this path of impeachment with a cabinet official, we are opening a door as Republicans that we don’t want to open. The next president who is a Republican will face the same scrutiny from Democrats. It’s wrong, and we should not set this precedent,” he stated.

When Jansing asked if Republican leaders have been trying to change his mind on the issue and if there is a possibility of his stance changing, he replied, “Yeah, I’m not changing my mind. I believe I have done my due diligence and I am standing firm at this point on this. If there’s some new evidence, I’m happy to look at it, but I don’t believe there will be.”

Two articles of impeachment have been filed against Mayorkas based on accusations that he “willfully and systemically refused to comply with Federal immigration laws.”

He is also accused of breaching public trust with false statements, “knowingly” obstructing lawful oversight of the DHI and making false statements to Congress.

If Buck sticks to his word, the entire GOP effort to impeach Mayorkas could be tanked as his “no” vote would take from the slim majority House Republicans have. It is unlikely that any House Democrat would be voting in support of the impeachment.

Several Republicans have, however, expressed support for the impeachment effort. Some, like Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), have not concluded on how they will vote, leaving an even smaller room for defections.