Why Democrats won't rush to force Noem impeachment vote
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 8. Photo: Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Support among House Democrats for impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has skyrocketed in recent days — but a vote may not come anytime soon.
Why it matters: Democrats can in theory force a vote whenever they want, but House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) made clear Thursday they are going to take their time and let a careful investigation play out first.
- "We don't want a show vote. We want a successful vote," Jeffries told reporters at a press conference.
- The Democratic leader pointed to the discharge petitions his party led last year on releasing the Epstein files, protecting collective bargaining rights for federal workers and extending Affordable Care Act tax credits as the model for how he is proceeding.
State of play: Articles of impeachment against Noem introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) had garnered 179 House Democratic co-sponsors as of Thursday afternoon — more than 80% of the caucus.
- The latest co-sponsors, Kelly's office told Axios, include Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), a centrist Jeffries ally; Jim Himes (D-Conn.) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), both committee ranking members; and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.).
- But Kelly, a member of Democratic leadership, is closely coordinating with Jeffries' office and isn't likely to force a vote without the Democratic leader's blessing, multiple senior Democratic sources told Axios.
What they're saying: Asked by Axios whether he plans to sign on as a co-sponsor, Jeffries cited his statement on Tuesday that Democrats "will commence impeachment proceedings" if Noem isn't fired.
- What "impeachment proceedings" means in practice, he suggested, is an investigation led by House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) that will precede any impeachment vote.
- "Jamie Raskin ... made clear how he thought things should proceed in reference to this current version of the Kelly resolution as a foundation for the investigative work that needs to take place to ensure we are presenting the strongest possible articles," Jeffries said.
Between the lines: Jeffries indicated he doesn't want a repeat of the two Trump impeachment votes that Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) forced last year, both of which failed due to bipartisan opposition.
- With Republicans narrowly in control of the House, any successful impeachment vote would require not only unanimous support from Democrats but also at least a handful of GOP votes.
- "We know how to move Republicans over to our position," Jeffries said, noting that each of the discharge petitions last year had GOP support.
What to watch: While some centrist House Republicans are fuming at Noem and publicly breaking with the administration's immigration policies, none have gone so far as to call for her impeachment.
- Jeffries told reporters he has "not specifically spoken with any Republicans" about impeachment other than Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday.
- Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), asked if Noem should remain in office and whether he would consider signing onto articles of impeachment, told Axios: "I prefer to hear investigation and hearings results."
The bottom line: If Trump refuses to oust Noem, she is likely staying put regardless of whether she is impeached by the House.
- While the House only needs a simple majority to impeach Noem, a two-thirds majority of the GOP-controlled Senate would have to vote for conviction in order to remove her as DHS secretary.
Editor's note: This story was corrected to reflect that Jeffries' earlier statement on Noem was made on Tuesday (not Wednesday).
