Rep. Green accuses Mayorkas of favoring Mexico over US during border crisis
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Accuses Secretary of Caring More About Mexico
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) on Thursday accused Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of caring more about Mexico than his own country.
The congressman finds it “telling” that the secretary prioritized meeting with Mexican officials over meeting with the House committee. Despite multiple requests for Mayorkas to testify in front of the House, the committee received little response.
House Committee Homeland Security Chairman Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) talks during a committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
“It is deeply troubling that Secretary Mayorkas has refused the Committee’s multiple requests to appear before a co-equal branch of government,” Green stated.
“For months, we have tried to work with his office to secure his testimony before the Committee so the American people can receive some much-needed transparency about the causes, costs, and consequences of the unprecedented border crisis,” he added.
Green continued, “It’s certainly telling that one of the primary excuses Secretary Mayorkas gave us for declining to appear next week is that he must host a delegation of Mexican officials. Yet again, this Secretary is putting the interests of Mexico ahead of the American people. Apparently, he needs to be reminded that Congress is a co-equal branch of government, and our Committee, not Mexico, has oversight over his department.”
Mayorkas has since expressed willingness to testify in front of the House, but he rejected the request to testify on Jan. 18, 2024. No new time has been proposed. Mayorkas also declined to testify after receiving letters in August and September.
“In keeping with the secretary’s commitment to cooperate with Congressional Committees, he will make himself available to testify before the Committee,” wrote Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Zephranie Buetow in a letter on Mayorkas’s behalf. “Consistent with the customary accommodations process, we look forward to working through the details with Committee staff and agreeing upon the date and structure of the hearing.”
The exchange occurs amidst an attempt to impeach the secretary over the border crisis and his alleged dereliction of duty. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) introduced articles of impeachment against Mayorkas in November, but they failed a floor vote and were sent to the Homeland Security Committee instead. The committee held its first hearing on the impeachment on Wednesday.
Committee’s Efforts to Investigate Mayorkas
Since last January, when Republicans gained control of the House, the committee has conducted 15 hearings on the border crisis, including investigations into Mayorkas’s alleged dereliction of duty.
Some Democrats, such as Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), have criticized the committee’s focus on investigating Mayorkas, arguing that it does not constitute a high crime or misdemeanor.
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Why did Secretary Mayorkas decline to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee next week?
Uest to appear next week due to a prior commitment with Mexican officials. He maintained that he would be available to testify the following week.
In response to Mayorkas’ offer, Green reiterated his disappointment, stating, “The Secretary’s willingness to testify at his convenience, rather than responding to the committee’s requests, further demonstrates his lack of prioritization for the needs of the American people.”
The accusation made by Chairman Green has raised concerns about the perceived disregard for the oversight role of the House Homeland Security Committee. As the committee responsible for overseeing the Department of Homeland Security, it plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability.
The ongoing border crisis has been a pressing issue that demands attention and action. With allegations of mismanagement and inadequate responses, the committee has sought answers from Secretary Mayorkas to address the situation. However, the lack of cooperation and delay in response from the Secretary has only exacerbated the concerns.
Some argue that the Secretary’s commitment to meeting with Mexican officials is a valid reason for his absence. As the Department of Homeland Security works closely with its Mexican counterparts to address border security, maintaining strong relationships with neighboring countries is essential. However, critics assert that prioritizing these meetings over fulfilling his obligations to the House committee suggests a misalignment of priorities.
The disagreement between Chairman Green and Secretary Mayorkas sheds light on the larger issue of the strained relationship between the Department of Homeland Security and Congress. The Committee’s struggle to obtain necessary information and cooperation from the Secretary is indicative of a breakdown in communication and collaboration.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of a democratic system. As elected officials, Congress has a responsibility to exercise oversight over the executive branch. Likewise, members of the executive branch should prioritize working with Congress to address pressing issues and concerns.
Moving forward, it is crucial that Secretary Mayorkas and Chairman Green find common ground to address the border crisis and ensure that the needs of the American people are met. The House Homeland Security Committee must continue its efforts to obtain the transparency and accountability it seeks, while the Secretary should recognize the importance of fulfilling his role in providing information and addressing concerns raised by the committee.
In a time of heightened security threats and an ongoing border crisis, it is essential that the Department of Homeland Security and Congress work together effectively. The accusations made by Chairman Green against Secretary Mayorkas highlight the urgent need for improved communication and collaboration between these entities to better serve the American people.
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