Several House Republicans are exploring legislative measures to eliminate Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' salary due to perceived failures in border security enforcement. Rep. Nancy Mace emphasized Congress's power of the purse and advocated for using any available tool, including the Holman Rule, to defund officials who aren't fulfilling their duties. This move comes amidst ongoing GOP criticism of Mayorkas' leadership during a period of record migrant crossings.
Republican lawmakers view the Holman Rule as a mechanism to oppose Biden administration officials. This rule allows amendments to spending bills that can restrict funds for programs or even individual federal employees' salaries. Rep. Bob Good called for Mayorkas' impeachment and salary elimination, citing national security concerns. Impeachment articles were recently filed against Mayorkas regarding his border management. Rep. Ben Cline suggested using the Holman Rule alongside impeachment proceedings, depending on the severity of the perceived shortcomings.
Rep. Jim Banks supported impeachment and viewed defunding Mayorkas' salary as a starting point. Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern indicated that both impeachment and the Holman Rule are being considered. A DHS spokesperson defended Mayorkas against what they termed "baseless attacks," emphasizing the department's commitment to enforcing laws, securing the border, and enhancing cybersecurity while advocating for a comprehensive immigration system update. The Biden administration has refrained from labeling the border situation a crisis, while Republicans attribute it to leadership failures. While the efforts to defund Mayorkas' salary or impeach him are unlikely to succeed in the Democrat-controlled Senate, House Republicans remain determined to utilize all available measures against Biden administration officials. Rep. Andrew Clyde suggested extending the Holman Rule's application to Attorney General Merrick Garland, citing concerns about the politicization of the Department of Justice.
