House Republicans are set to vote on formalizing an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, as their investigation intensifies amid increasing right-wing pressure. The vote coincides with a crucial moment involving Hunter Biden, the president’s son, who has been subpoenaed for a closed-door deposition in Washington, DC. His participation remains uncertain.
Until now, the Republicans lacked sufficient votes to sanction the inquiry officially. The investigation, initiated unilaterally by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in September, has faced challenges in gathering support and proving presidential misconduct.
The momentum shifted when the White House declared the investigation’s subpoenas invalid without a formal House vote. This prompted some moderate Republicans to support the investigation, aligning with a similar stance the Trump administration took during the 2019 impeachment proceedings.
Proponents argue that a formal vote will bolster the inquiry’s legal position and strengthen subpoenas. Representative Nick LaLota emphasized the inquiry’s informational value. Meanwhile, recent tax indictments against Hunter Biden have added weight to the Republicans’ scrutiny of his financial dealings.
According to a report by ABC News, In defense, the White House highlighted extensive document access granted to Republicans, including financial records and National Archives materials. However, not all Republicans are unified in support of the inquiry. Representative Ken Buck expressed doubts, while others emphasized that formalizing the inquiry doesn’t guarantee impeachment.
Leaders like House Majority Whip Tom Emmer take a cautious approach, noting the lack of votes for impeachment. Some Republicans, like Representative Tony Gonzales, are more aggressive, suggesting the inquiry could lead to impeachment.
House Democrats and the White House have consistently refuted the allegations. Representative Jamie Raskin criticized the inquiry as a politically motivated tactic to overshadow Biden’s presidency.
Despite the ongoing investigation, which includes various official interviews and document acquisitions, Republicans have yet to find substantial evidence against Biden. The inquiry, which has seen only one hearing so far, has been criticized for lacking sufficient proof to substantiate the accusations.