Democrats criticize Mayorkas, Wray for skipping hearing on threats facing US homeland in ‘shocking departure’ from tradition

WASHINGTON — Even left-wing lawmakers are angry at Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray after both skipped a crucial annual Homeland Security committee hearing in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Chairman Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) criticized two Biden administration officials for refusing to appear for the committee’s “Threats to the Homeland” hearing, which was set for 10 a.m. Thursday.

In a statement, Peters called the move “a shocking departure from the long-standing tradition of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.” Transparency and monitoring of the threats facing our nationNoting that it was “the first time in more than 15 years” that a US Homeland Security Secretary and FBI Director declined to testify at the annual hearing.

“His choice not to testify publicly about his departments’ efforts to respond to broader national security threats robs the American people of vital information about what the federal government is doing to keep Americans safe,” Peters said. It also takes away the opportunity for public accountability.”

This move did not help his political position. House Republicans impeached Mayorkas and introduced articles of impeachment against Wray earlier this year.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) shifted blame to officials and accused them of negligence to avoid questions over recent scandals, including convictions.The illegal immigrant who killed Lakin RileyAlso reports FEMA doesn’t keep an eye on Trump-supporting homes in need.

“Secretary Mayorkas and Director Wray’s refusal to testify publicly in the Senate today is an outrage – and a shameless attempt to avoid oversight of political misconduct at FEMA, the FBI and others,” Hawley posted on Twitter on Thursday. ” “I look forward to Director Ray’s resignation.”

Peters announced Thursday that refusing to testify would “heighten the concerns of many Americans about the security of our country at a challenging time, undermine the committee’s efforts to provide responsible oversight, and deal a serious blow to trust in our government.” “

Mayorkas and Wray reportedly told the committee they could only give their testimony in a classified setting – a claim Peters claimed in his deposition was “completely baseless”.

“It cannot be the practice of the executive branch to deny important information to the public and disregard Congress’s constitutionally recognized authority to conduct surveillance.”