In a recent development, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's office announced that the transmission of two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will be delayed until next week. The decision to postpone the start of the process has sparked debates among senators and leadership aides.

Initially, Speaker Johnson had planned to send the impeachment articles to the Senate on Wednesday, triggering immediate action from the Senate on Thursday. However, in order to allow the Senate adequate time to fulfill its constitutional duty, the House will now transmit the articles of impeachment next week, as stated by Taylor Haulsee, a spokesman for Johnson.

The impeachment of Mayorkas was approved by the House on February 13, with a vote of 214-213. Republicans alleged that Mayorkas had failed to enforce border laws amid a "crisis" of high illegal immigration, which the Secretary strongly denied as baseless.

The delay in transmitting the articles of impeachment could potentially benefit Senate Republicans, as it would ensure their full attendance in the event that a single Democrat defects and votes to advance the trial. However, with Democrats currently holding a majority in the Senate with 51 seats, they have the power to dismiss the trial without any Republican support.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has confirmed that the Senate is prepared to receive the articles whenever Johnson chooses to send them. Schumer has remained tight-lipped about the Senate's course of action once the articles arrive, but several Senate Democrats expect a vote to dismiss or table the trial.

Democrats, including Senators Peter Welch of Vermont and Chris Murphy of Connecticut, asserted that policy disputes should be debated, but impeachment is not the appropriate means to resolve them. However, it remains unclear whether all Democrats would support a motion to dismiss.

Senate Republicans expressed their dissatisfaction with any attempt to dismiss the trial, stressing the need for accountability. They argue that the Biden administration and Secretary Mayorkas have overseen the worst border crisis in American history, emphasizing the importance of a trial that allows senators to examine evidence and reach a conclusion.

While there is a possibility that moderate Republicans may consider voting with the Democrats to dismiss the trial, any move to do so will likely face strong opposition from Senate Republicans.

The Senate cannot take action on the articles until they are sent by the House. As the process moves forward, all eyes will be on the Senate as they navigate the impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.