Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has voted in favor of the U.S. Senate holding a full and transparent impeachment trial for U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Dr. Cassidy emphasized the importance of following historical procedures in such cases, stating, "For over 200 years, the Senate has considered evidence, heard witnesses, and voted on conviction when the House has sent articles of impeachment."

Dr. Cassidy also expressed concern over the potential consequences of not holding a trial, saying, "It would be a terrible historical precedent for Democrats not to hold a trial. Let’s hear the evidence." Despite his support for a trial, Senate Democrats blocked the motion and voted to dismiss the charges against Secretary Mayorkas.

The U.S. House of Representatives has sent impeachment articles to the U.S. Senate 21 times in U.S. history. However, it is noted that only four times in the country’s history has the U.S. Senate chosen not to hold a full trial upon receiving impeachment articles. In those instances, the individuals in question either resigned or were expelled before being convicted. Secretary Mayorkas, if a trial were to proceed, would be the first cabinet secretary to face impeachment since 1876.

The developments surrounding the impeachment trial of Secretary Mayorkas mark a significant moment in U.S. political history as the Senate grapples with the decision of whether to proceed with a full trial or dismiss the charges against the cabinet official.