Republican files Articles of Impeachment against Kamala Harris over border handling, Biden's cognitive health

Republican representative has initiated impeachment proceedings against Vice President Kamala Harris, citing her management of the southern border and accusations of concealing President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline.

This development adds to the mounting pressure on Harris, who is currently the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Biden from office.

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) filed the impeachment articles, alleging Harris’s “willful refusal to uphold immigration laws” and “breach of public trust.” The first article criticizes her performance as the administration’s “border czar,” a role assigned by President Biden to address the root causes of immigration. The second article accuses Harris of misleading Congress and the public regarding Biden’s physical and cognitive well-being.

Since Harris took on the role, illegal immigration has surged, with over 8 million crossings reported and projections indicating up to 10 million by the end of September. Republicans have intensified their criticism since Biden announced he would not seek re-election following a widely criticized debate performance and subsequent Covid-19 diagnosis.

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) introduced a resolution condemning Harris’s handling of border security, labeling it the “most catastrophic open border crisis in history.” Meanwhile, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) has urged Biden’s Cabinet members to invoke the 25th Amendment, which requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to determine if the President is unfit for office.

Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Speaker Mike Johnson, have voiced their support for invoking the 25th Amendment. Roy filed a resolution following Biden’s debate performance, calling on Harris to convene the Cabinet to assess Biden’s ability to fulfill his duties.

Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) have also expressed concerns, emphasizing the need for a President who is fully capable of executing the responsibilities of the office. The sentiment is echoed by other Republicans who believe Biden’s cognitive decline poses a significant risk, especially given his control over nuclear codes.

Democrats have dismissed the Republican efforts as politically motivated. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) criticized the impeachment articles as a “Jim Crow-era tactic,” while Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) defended Biden’s performance as President. They argue that Biden’s decision not to run for re-election does not impact his current ability to govern.

The impeachment articles against Vice President Kamala Harris underscore the growing political tension surrounding the upcoming election and the ongoing debate over President Biden’s fitness for office. While the likelihood of the 25th Amendment being invoked remains uncertain, the issue continues to polarize lawmakers and the public alike.