WATCH: McConnell condemns Senate Democrats for dismissing 1st impeachment article against Mayorkas

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell condemned Senate Democrats who voted Wednesday to dismiss the first article of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

McConnell argued that the dismissal runs counter to the Senate's duty to hold a trial.

“The Senate will not hear the House managers present the details of their case against Secretary Mayorkas," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "Likewise, we will not hear the secretary’s representatives present the vigorous defense to which he is entitled."

Senators voted 51-48 along party lines to dismiss the first article of impeachment. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Ala., voted “present.”

“Our colleagues know that we are obligated to take these proceedings seriously," McConnell said while criticizing the outcome. "This is what our oath prescribes. It is what the history and precedent require."

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