Tensions flared during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing as Democrat Rep. Dan Goldman endeavored to defend President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ border policies.
Goldman, representing New York, a sanctuary state, found himself in a contentious exchange with Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas. McCaul accused Mayorkas of “aiding and abetting the deaths and the criminal enterprise” through his border policies, attributing a surge in drug and criminal activity, fentanyl deaths, and human trafficking to Biden administration actions.
In response, Goldman contested McCaul’s accusation, deeming it “inappropriate.” McCaul, however, emphasized Mayorkas’ “dereliction of duty,” leading to a further disagreement.
Expressing concern, Goldman stated, “I think it’s incredibly dangerous to accuse Secretary Mayorkas of aiding and abetting crimes,” highlighting the need for intent in such accusations. Regardless of one’s stance on Mayorkas’ border approach, accusing him of aiding and abetting crime is a serious and unwarranted charge, according to Goldman.
McCaul defended his position, asserting his experience in a border state for 25 years and attributing the problem to Mayorkas’ “dereliction of duty.” Rep. Mark Green, the Homeland Security Committee Chair, intervened to conclude the heated exchange.
Following Rep. Green’s comments, Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray proceeded with their testimony. Post-exchange, Rep. Goldman’s filing of a “Hurt Feelings” report garnered ridicule on social media.
Additionally, some members of Congress have threatened legal action against Wray and Mayorkas, with reports suggesting an imminent move to impeach Mayorkas. In a separate development, House Republicans recently voted to reduce the salary of Biden-appointed Director of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to $1, citing alleged poor performance.
