Moore’s Vote Flips the Script
A surprising turn of events unfolded during the recent House vote on the impeachment of Mayorkas. Representative Moore, initially in favor of impeaching Mayorkas, switched his vote to the winning side, preserving the possibility of a re-vote for House Republicans.
The Numbers Game
The GOP misjudged the number of yea votes they had, as well as the availability of Democrats to vote no. With a House breakdown of 219 Republicans to 212 Democrats, Republicans can only afford to lose three votes. However, this assumes all members are present, which is not always the case due to various circumstances.
A Rare House Maneuver
Changing a vote to potentially call for a re-vote is a rarity in the House. Unlike the Senate, where this happens more frequently, Moore’s shift in position provides the Republican leadership with an opportunity to maintain their impeachment efforts and potentially present a more credible case to the Senate.
The Road Ahead
With House Majority Leader Scalise’s return expected and a special election on the horizon, House Republicans hope to gain reinforcements for their impeachment cause. Preserving the impeachment investigation, committee report, and related documents allows them to regroup and try again at a later date.
Impeachment: A Privileged Resolution
Impeachment resolutions hold a privileged status, meaning any member can propose a new plan immediately, forcing the House to consider it. However, by preserving the existing impeachment materials, Moore’s maneuver gives the GOP an advantage, both in maintaining their credibility and in presenting a comprehensive case to the Senate for a potential trial.
A Senate Tradition
While Moore’s action may not be unprecedented in the House, it is a more common occurrence in the Senate. Senate leaders from both parties have frequently changed their votes to call for re-votes on failed issues. This tactic has been employed by the likes of Schumer, McConnell, and the late Reid.
In the ever-evolving landscape of impeachment proceedings, House Republicans have found a way to keep their options open. With Moore’s vote flip and the preservation of key documents, the stage is set for a potential rematch in their impeachment gambit against Mayorkas.