McConnell Remarks On Senate Impeachment Obligations
‘The power of impeachment is one of the most delicate balances our Constitutional system strikes. With a portion of the American people’s sovereign electoral authority, it purchases a safeguard against malpractice. And it gives the Senate the power—and the duty—to decide.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas:
“The Senate just swore an oath to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and the laws of our country.
“We swore to discharge a duty that is quite different from our normal work. As a court of impeachment, we are called not to speak, not to debate but to listen – both to the case against the accused and to his defense.
“At this point, in any trial in the country, the prosecution presents the evidence of the case. Counsel for the defense does the same. And the jury remains silent as it listens.
“This is what our rules require of us, as well. But the Senate has not had the opportunity to perform this duty.
“The Senate will not hear the House Managers present the details of their case against Secretary Mayorkas: That he willingly neglected the duties of his office, and that he lied to Congress about the extent of that failure.
“Likewise, we will not hear the Secretary’s representatives present the vigorous defense to which he is entitled.
“Our colleagues know that we are obligated to take these proceedings seriously. This is what our oath prescribes. It’s what history and the precedent require and I would urge each of our colleagues to consider that this is what the Framers actually envisioned.
“The power of impeachment is one of the most delicate balances our Constitutional system strikes. With a portion of the American people’s sovereign electoral authority, it purchases a safeguard against malpractice. And it gives the Senate the power—and the duty—to decide.
“This process must not be abused. It must not be short-circuited. History will not judge this moment well.
“Therefore I move to table the point of order and ask for the yays and nays.”
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Related Issues: Senate Rules, Immigration
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