Mayorkas won't attend second House impeachment hearing, offered chance to submit written testimony

Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will not appear at the GOP-led House's second impeachment inquiry hearing, which is scheduled for Thursday, says the chairman of the committee holding the hearings. 

The announcement was made by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, who sent a letter to Mayorkas telling him that he could instead submit written testimony.

“The committee has given Secretary Mayorkas chance after chance to appear and explain his actions, decisions, and statements to us and to the American people," Green said Wednesday. "Over the past several months, he has tacitly rejected those offers, resorting instead to political games and delay.

"Our request for written testimony from Secretary Mayorkas is his last chance to show some semblance of respect for the people’s representatives and our constitutional oversight duties."

According to GOP committee staff, Mayorkas was invited Jan. 5 to testify Thursday, but his office said he could not attend.

Some House Republicans think Mayorkas should be impeached because he has failed to secure the southern U.S. border and has allowed a record number of illegal migrants into the country.

Mayorkas is meeting Thursday with Mexico officials about border issues, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

“We look forward to working through the details with committee staff and agreeing upon the date and structure of the hearing," the committee said in a letter to the committee on the matter. "The secretary’s schedule is quite committed with the work of the Department including hosting Mexican Cabinet Members next week to discuss border enforcement.”