On Wednesday, the House of Representatives made a significant move by formalizing its impeachment inquiry into President Biden. The Republican leaders believe this step is necessary to compel the White House to cooperate with their investigation. The measure passed with all Republicans voting in favor and all present Democrats voting against it. The GOP side of the chamber erupted in light cheering while the Democratic side remained silent.
According to Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., this is a pivotal moment in the investigation. They are preparing to depose and interview various members of the Biden family and their associates regarding alleged influence-peddling schemes. However, they are facing obstruction from the White House. Comer emphasized that President Biden must be held accountable for his lies, corruption, and obstruction and that Americans deserve transparency and accountability.
The GOP-led committees on Oversight, Ways & Means, and the Judiciary have been investigating allegations that President Biden leveraged his position as vice president in the Obama administration to benefit his family’s foreign businesses. The investigation has focused heavily on James Biden, the president’s brother, and Hunter Biden, who is currently under federal investigation for tax and firearm-related charges.
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., initiated the impeachment inquiry in September. However, the White House has dismissed the probe as illegitimate without a formal vote. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., revealed that the White House requested the House vote. Emmer explained that the White House sent a letter stating that the subpoenas Republicans had served would not be honored or recognized without a total vote of the House. Emmer believes that going to court to enforce these subpoenas is likely, so it is better to eliminate objections by having an entire floor vote.
Republicans, such as Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and R-Iowa, underscored the significance of the impeachment process and the need to hold presidents accountable. They aim to avoid the perception that impeachment is a knee-jerk reaction and instead want it to be a significant tool.
Judiciary Committee member Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., assured House Republicans would follow the facts wherever they lead. They are committed to presenting the facts to the American people.
In response to the vote, President Biden accused House Republicans of squandering time on political attacks instead of addressing the nation’s critical issues. He emphasized the need to address the situation at the southern border, strengthen border security, and tackle inflation and job growth. Biden criticized Congress for refusing to assist him and prioritizing baseless political stunts.
The vote occurred shortly after Hunter Biden unexpectedly appeared outside the U.S. Capitol. He was scheduled for a closed-door deposition with the Oversight Committee but delivered a brief statement to reporters defending his father’s innocence before leaving Capitol Hill.
