Crucial Tests for America

The impeachment proceeding brought against Joe Biden’s secretary of Homeland Security was politically straightforward: Republican members of the House of Representatives impeached him and Democratic senators put an end to the fuss. But now things are getting more interesting.

Not long ago, people would have considered Republican impeachment proceedings against U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to be mind-blowing. It was the first time since 1876 that the House of Representatives put a cabinet member on trial. The Constitution allows impeachment as a punishment for crimes.*

But in this case, the Republicans cited Joe Biden’s immigration policy as the secretary’s crime. It was audacious, but it is no longer surprising. In the tribal conflict between Republicans and Democrats, anything goes. People assumed Senate Democrats would shoot down the proceedings.

Will the Democrats Save Mike Johnson?

The rest of the week should be more exciting. Because when it’s not just about Biden and his Achilles heel on the southern border, but instead about aid for Ukraine, the Republicans appear to be divided.

Fervent Trumpists are facing off against a handful of Donald Trump opponents and a majority of others who are just tactical Trump supporters. Ultraconservative politicians acting on conviction are grappling with populists who want to blow things up, and foreign policy hawks are grappling with isolationists.

But the Democrats, too, are facing crucial tests, especially if they have to guarantee the political survival of Christian fundamentalist Mike Johnson, the House speaker whom some Republicans want to oust, in return for aid to Ukraine.

*Editor’s note: The Constitution gives Congress the power to impeach federal officials for treason, bribery and “other high crimes and misdemeanors.” Impeachment is not punishment, but a process of bringing charges against a government official for wrongdoing. A trial may be held and the official may be removed from office.