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Impeachment Proceedings Launched Against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

Washington, D.C. – House Republicans are making swift strides in the impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The committee held its second and final hearing within eight days. The focus of the hearing was on the alleged human costs of Mayorkas’ misconduct and failure to uphold his oath of office, according to GOP Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee, the chairman of the committee. Mayorkas has been continuously accused by Republicans of not enforcing …

Impeachment Articles Against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Killed by Senate in Historic Trial

Washington, D.C. – The Senate swiftly dismissed the articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday, marking the premature end of a trial that had barely begun. The articles, which accused Mayorkas of “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and “breach of public trust,” failed to gain traction as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attempted to navigate the proceedings. Despite efforts to reach a bipartisan agreement on trial resolutions, …

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Zurich Plane Emergency Leads to Last-Minute Arrangements for Return to Washington, D.C.

Zurich, Switzerland – Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced an unexpected change of travel plans on Wednesday when his original aircraft was grounded due to a critical failure. Blinken had initially boarded a Boeing C-40, a U.S. military service aircraft, but it suffered from an oxygen leak, prompting the need for a new plane. The press pool accompanying Blinken was advised to make commercial flight arrangements as the new aircraft was unable to accommodate journalists. …

Affordable Care Act Celebrates 14th Anniversary: Health Secretary Discusses Achievements and Challenges on “What the Health?” Podcast

Washington, D.C. – Fourteen years ago this week, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, marking a significant milestone in healthcare policy. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra recently joined KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner on the “What the Health?” podcast to discuss the accomplishments and challenges of the health law. On the podcast, Congress is making progress in finalizing the fiscal 2024 spending bills, including funding for HHS. Notably, reproductive and gender-affirming …

Veterans Affairs Expands IVF Coverage for Single and Same-Sex Veterans, Secretary McDonough Affirms

Washington, D.C. – The Department of Veterans Affairs is set to offer in vitro fertilization services to single veterans and those in same-sex marriages, a move that follows criticism regarding the lack of reproductive benefits for certain veterans. This decision comes after legal challenges in New York and Boston last year highlighted the exclusion of LGBTQ+ military members from certain VA policies, including IVF care. VA Secretary Denis McDonough emphasized that expanding reproductive care has …

Impeachment: House Votes to Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Over Handling of U.S.-Mexico Border, Senate Next

Washington, DC – The House of Representatives voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday, marking only the second time in U.S. history that a Cabinet secretary faced such a severe punishment. The impeachment was focused on Mayorkas’ handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, with Republicans leading the charge. The vote resulted in 214 in favor of impeachment and 213 opposed, with three Republicans voting alongside all Democrats against the impeachment. The effort is …

Pentagon Head Secretary Austin Hospitalized for Emergent Bladder Issue

A medical emergency sent Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday. The 70-year-old was transported by his security detail for symptoms suggesting an urgent bladder problem, according to a statement by Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. Although Austin experienced the medical issue, he is still carrying out his duties, and the deputy secretary of Defense is prepared to step in if needed. This incident comes after …

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Narrowly Dodges Impeachment Vote Over Migrant Crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – In a dramatic and decisive vote, the Republican-led House of Representatives narrowly failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the ongoing migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border. The vote, which ended in a 216-214 decision against the impeachment measure, saw four Republicans break ranks and join all Democrats in the chamber. This outcome, amid heightened tension over border security, underscores the growing political volatility surrounding immigration in the lead-up to …

Impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: Why I Am Voting No

WINDSOR, COLORADO – In a recent article, U.S. House Representative Ken Buck gave his reasons for voting against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Buck, who serves on the House Judiciary Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that while Secretary Mayorkas may have failed at his job, his incompetence did not rise to the level of an impeachable offense. Buck cited the Constitution’s definition of impeachable offenses as “Treason, Bribery, or other …