Senate votes to end the impeachment trial of DHS Secretary Mayorkas

A day after House Republicans sent two articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate, the Democratic-led upper chamber ended the trial on Wednesday by voting that both articles were unconstitutional.

Video Transcript

CHUCK SCHUMER: Madam President, I raise a point of order that impeachment article two does not allege conduct that rises to the level of a high crime or misdemeanor, as required under Article II, Section 4 of the United States Constitution, and is therefore unconstitutional.

PATTY MURRAY: On this vote, the yeas are 51. The nays are 48. One Senator responded present. The point of order is well taken, and the article falls.

CHUCK SCHUMER: Madam President.

PATTY MURRAY: Majority Leader is recognized.

CHUCK SCHUMER: I raise a point of order that impeachment article two does not allege conduct that rises to the level of a high crime or misdemeanor, as required under Article II, Section 4 of the United States Constitution, and is therefore unconstitutional.

PATTY MURRAY: On this vote, the yeas are 51. The nays are 49. The point of order is well taken. Article two falls.

CHUCK SCHUMER: Madam President.

PATTY MURRAY: Majority Leader is recognized.

CHUCK SCHUMER: I move to adjourn the impeachment trial of Alejandro N. Mayorkas sine die.