Janice R. Andrews
Representative Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has filed articles of impeachment against Vice President Kamala Harris, causing a sharp rise in political tension. Harris’s action coincides with the start of her presidential campaign, indicating a heated political contest to come.
Expansive Remarks
Building on previously introduced articles, Rep. Ogles’s filing highlights Harris’s handling of immigration problems, which is a primary target of criticism from the GOP. Additionally, Ogles alleges that Harris’s concealment of President Joe Biden’s mental health is a “breach of public trust” and that this is the subject of the new stories. President Biden declared his excellent health and stated that he intends to serve out his term even if his reelection campaign ended on Monday.
“Kamala Devi Harris has intentionally misled the American people and Congress, primarily to conceal the physical and mental health of US President Joe Biden,” the documentation claims.
Original Articles and Issues with Immigration
The first set of articles, submitted on June 12, 2023, charged Harris with “a palpable indifference to people of the United States suffering as a result of the ongoing southern border crisis, a stark refusal to uphold existing immigration laws, and extraordinary incompetence in the execution of her duties and responsibilities.” Early in the Biden administration, Harris was given the unofficial nickname “border czar” by the media and charged with spearheading diplomatic initiatives with Central American nations to stop illegal immigration.
The document cites atrocities purportedly done by undocumented immigrants in the United States, including the death of student Laken Riley, and presents statistics on recent border crossings as proof of Harris’s incapacity to successfully handle the problem.
“Kamala Devi Harris violated the rule of law, compromised public safety, refused to enforce immigration laws, and failed to control the border to the detriment of national security, all to the evident harm of the American people,” the articles stated.
Historical Background and Political Consequences
There has been no progress on the original file past the introductory stage. Remarkably, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border fell to 83,000 in June, the lowest level during Biden’s administration.
Citing worries about Biden’s health, Ogles urged Harris to use the 25th Amendment against him on the same day as the new filing. Harris would become the acting president as a result of this.
There have previously been attempts to impeach a high-ranking politician due to immigration policy. In February, the House impeached Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, on identical charges; however, the Senate rejected the articles. Furthermore, the Judiciary Committee never took up the articles of impeachment that Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) submitted against Harris in 2021 for the American pullout from Afghanistan.
GOP Dangers and Attacks by DEI
The GOP faces serious political risks in light of the additional articles of impeachment. Attacks on Harris might backfire and energize her followers, especially if they concentrate on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) problems. The GOP has to tread cautiously when responding to these critiques in order to keep supporters from feeling that the assaults are motivated by gender or race.
Rep. Andy Ogles’s impeachment complaint against Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the growing division and calculated moves in American politics as the 2024 presidential race heats up. The White House has been contacted by The Hill to provide commentary on these events.
