Rep. Ken Buck's Refusal to Hold Secretary Mayorkas Accountable Draws Criticism
Colorado Congressman Ken Buck is facing criticism from his conservative constituents in CD4 for his reluctance to support the impeachment of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Buck's recent inaction on immigration issues has raised concerns about his effectiveness and relevance in Colorado politics.
The House Homeland Security Committee recently advanced an impeachment resolution against Mayorkas, accusing him of willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law and a breach of public trust. The House is scheduled to vote on the resolution next week, and the GOP leadership cannot afford any defections due to its slim majority.
Rep. Ken Buck attends a House Judiciary Committee hearing on May 18, 2022. (Buck/Facebook)
As of now, at least two GOP lawmakers, including Rep. Ken Buck and Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), are leaning towards voting against the impeachment resolution. Both representatives previously voted to defer Mayorkas's impeachment in late 2023.
Republicans had already voted on charging Mayorkas when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) forced a vote on her impeachment resolution in mid-November 2023. However, the motion failed as eight Republicans joined Democrats in referring the matter to the Homeland Security Committee, causing a delay in action.
One of those eight Republicans, Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR), has since changed his stance and expressed his support for impeachment. Bentz argues that there is sufficient evidence to charge Mayorkas with high crimes and misdemeanors.
"Because Republicans followed regular order, there is now evidence in the record that the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas intentionally flouted immigration law, disregarding his constitutional duty to secure America's borders," Bentz told the Washington Examiner. "Secretary Mayorkas deserves to be impeached, and it is my intention to vote in favor of impeachment."
Several other House centrists, who were initially hesitant about impeachment, have also come around to support it, including some Republican incumbents running for reelection in competitive districts. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) announced that he would vote in favor of impeachment, marking a significant win for Republicans as he was previously an undecided vote.
Furthermore, vulnerable New York Republicans running in Biden-won districts, such as Reps. Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), and Mike Lawler (R-NY), are leaning towards supporting impeachment. Lawler emphasized that Mayorkas's actions at the border and his failure to enforce immigration laws and uphold the Constitution warrant impeachment.
READ MORE:
HOUSE REPUBLICANS LAUNCH IMPEACHMENT OF HOMELAND SECRETARY MAYORKAS OVER SOUTHERN BORDER CRISIS
REP. KEN BUCK'S RETIREMENT: A REFLECTION ON DIVISIVENESS AND THE NEED FOR COMMON GROUND
REP. KEN BUCK'S SURPRISING SUPPORT FOR THE IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY RAISES EYEBROWS
The push for impeachment aligns with lawmakers from both parties focusing on the surge in immigration at the southern border ahead of the 2024 election. Exit polls from primary elections in Iowa and New Hampshire have shown that the issue of immigration has emerged as a top concern for voters, even surpassing the economy.
As Rep. Ken Buck faces criticism for his refusal to hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable, conservative constituents in CD4 are questioning his commitment to addressing the immigration crisis.
The upcoming impeachment vote presents an opportunity for Buck to demonstrate his stance on securing America's borders and upholding the rule of law – if he chooses.