Republicans Push Forward with Unproven Allegations
In a strictly party-line vote, House Republicans have formalized an impeachment inquiry against President Biden. The move intensifies their investigation into unproven allegations that the president benefited from his son’s overseas business dealings.
Formality or Political Strategy?
While the vote is largely seen as a formality, it puts vulnerable California members of the House GOP on record in support of moving towards impeaching Biden. The inquiry was launched by then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy without a vote in September, egged on by former President Trump and the most far-right members of the caucus.
Unproven Claims and Lack of Evidence
Despite the ongoing inquiry, no evidence has been produced to prove the long-standing GOP claim that Biden benefited from his son Hunter’s overseas business dealings. Legal experts have also stated that the Constitution does not require a vote to launch an impeachment inquiry.
The Seriousness of Impeachment
Representative Tom McClintock emphasized the seriousness of impeachment in a floor speech before the vote. He stated that “impeachment is the most serious act Congress can take” and that the House owes it to the country to get to the bottom of the allegations.
A Partisan Move
On the other side, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Representative Jamie Raskin, decried the investigation, calling it a partisan move that will waste taxpayer dollars. He highlighted that after 11 months, no one can provide evidence of Biden’s alleged crime.
Long-standing Calls for Impeachment
House Republicans have been calling for Biden’s impeachment since Trump left office in 2021. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene filed the first impeachment articles against Biden one day after his inauguration. However, no evidence has been produced to support the claims against the president.
Uncertain Path Forward
It remains unclear when the House inquiry will conclude or whether it will result in charges that the lower chamber will vote on. If the House does vote to impeach Biden, a trial will be held in the Democratic-controlled Senate, requiring a two-thirds majority to convict. The Senate has never removed a president from office.
Political Ramifications
The vote is expected to benefit Republicans in deep red districts who aim to prove their loyalty to Trump. However, it may also aid Democratic challengers in competitive districts by tying GOP incumbents to the unpopular former president. A majority of voters in competitive districts view the investigation as baseless, according to a recent survey.
Targeted Campaign
The Congressional Integrity Project, a Democratic-aligned nonprofit, has launched a campaign targeting vulnerable Republicans who backed formalizing the inquiry. Digital ads and mobile billboards have been purchased to reach voters in key districts.
Hunter Biden’s Subpoena and Defiance
As part of the inquiry into Hunter Biden’s business dealings, House investigators subpoenaed him to testify in a private deposition. However, Hunter Biden defied the subpoena and held a news conference outside the Capitol, reiterating his desire for a public hearing.
Divided Opinions
Republicans and Democrats remain divided on the impeachment inquiry. Republicans argue that it grants Congress necessary investigative tools, while Democrats claim it lacks evidence and undermines democracy.
The House inquiry continues, and its impact on President Biden’s presidency remains uncertain.
