US House Approves Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden; He Accuses Them of Wasting Time

 

Several months ahead of the upcoming elections, Republicans have officially launched an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, a move steeped in political motivations despite limited evidence of wrongdoing by the president.

In a vote where Republicans hold the majority, the House approved the initiation of an impeachment process by a margin of 221-212, a step that could lead to serious consequences for the president. The Constitution labels the charges as "high crimes and misdemeanors," and if proven, it could result in the removal of the president from office.

President Biden has criticized House Republicans, questioning their priorities in pursuing an inquiry against him and his family. He expressed his frustration, stating, “Instead of doing anything to help make Americans’ lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies…they are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts.”

The extended inquiry is expected to stretch into the 2024 election season, coinciding with Biden's potential reelection bid. Republicans aim to draw parallels between Biden and former President Trump, who faced two impeachment proceedings during his tenure. Trump has urged his GOP allies in Congress to swiftly move forward with impeaching Biden as part of his broader quest for retribution against political adversaries.

The timing of the vote is noteworthy as Biden grapples with allegations surrounding his son, Hunter Biden, who faces multiple counts of tax evasion. While ethical questions have arisen from the investigation, no evidence has surfaced implicating Biden in corrupt actions or bribery during his current presidency or previous role as vice president.

Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team issued a joint statement post-vote, emphasizing the weight of the responsibility but highlighting the undeniable evidentiary record.

House Democrats staunchly opposed the inquiry resolution, dismissing it as a political ploy seeking revenge for Trump's impeachments. Representative Jim McGovern labeled it an "extreme political stunt" lacking credibility and legitimacy.

A perceptible shift in public opinion, particularly among independents and some Republican voters, has occurred since September, with opposition among independents rising from 36% to 43% regarding the lack of substantial evidence supporting corruption charges against Biden.

Some House Republicans, especially those from politically divided districts, hesitated to vote on Biden's impeachment, fearing potential political repercussions. Representative Tom Emmer clarified that supporting an impeachment inquiry does not equate to endorsing impeachment, emphasizing the importance of following the facts.

Despite Republicans anticipating the outcome, they believe authorizing the inquiry provides them with better legal standing. Representative Don Bacon, previously opposed to impeachment, noted that the White House questioning the legitimacy of the inquiry without a formal vote influenced his support.

Representative Jerry Nadler, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, emphasized the necessity of real evidence before initiating an impeachment process, drawing on his oversight of the two impeachments into Trump. Congressional investigators have gathered substantial documentation, including 40,000 pages of subpoenaed bank records and extensive testimony, as they delve into the president's son, Hunter Biden's, affairs.