House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN-07) delivered opening remarks on Tuesday during a full committee markup for articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
During his opening statement, Green said Mayorkas has “willfully and systemically refused to comply with the laws passed by Congress and breached the trust of Congress and the American people.
“The results have been catastrophic and have endangered the lives and livelihoods of all Americans,” Green added.
“Today is a grave day. We have not approached this day or this process lightly. Secretary Mayorkas’ actions have forced our hand. We cannot allow this border crisis to continue. We cannot allow fentanyl to flood across our border or criminals to waltz in undeterred. And we cannot allow a cabinet secretary with no regard for the separation of powers or the rule of law to remain in office,” Green said.
Green cited the committee’s year-long, five-phase investigation – which included 10 full and subcommittee hearings, transcribed interviews of chief and deputy chief patrol agents, and five interim reports totaling nearly 400 pages – as the “painstakingly thorough” process that led to impeachment proceedings against Mayorkas.
“The truth is that this process has been painstakingly thorough. We made sure of it. Our intent was to be fair, comprehensive, and meticulous,” Green said.
“If your refusal to obey the law leads to the death of your fellow citizens, you no longer deserve to keep your job, you’re breaking the people’s trust,” Green added. “Again, we are here because our oath and duty compel us to be here. The actions and decisions of Secretary Mayorkas have left us with no other option than to proceed with articles of impeachment.”
The committee marked up two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas on Tuesday: Willful and Systemic Refusal to Comply with the Law; and Breach of Public Trust.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green” by Rep. Mark Green.
