House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made a significant announcement on Tuesday, revealing his decision to initiate an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Standing at the U.S. Capitol, McCarthy declared,
“Today, I am directing our House committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.”
He refrained from taking questions from reporters.
Previously, McCarthy had hinted at the possibility of a full House vote to authorize an impeachment inquiry, but as of Tuesday, he seemed to lack the necessary support for such a vote. A spokesperson for McCarthy clarified that no vote to launch the impeachment inquiry was expected. This move had been anticipated for weeks as a means to appease staunch GOP members and to gain access to bank records and documents related to Biden and his son, Hunter.
McCarthy explained his decision, stating,
“This logical next step will give our committees the full power to gather the full facts and answers for the American public. That’s exactly what we want to know—the answers. I believe the president would want to answer these questions and allegations as well.”
McCarthy appointed key figures like House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith to lead the inquiry.
House Republicans had been conducting investigations for months into alleged connections between Biden and his son’s business activities but had not yet substantiated any wrongdoing by the president. McCarthy argued that during the August recess, House Republicans uncovered “serious and credible allegations into President Biden’s conduct, which, when considered together, suggest a culture of corruption.”
Speaker McCarthy emphasized the gravity of his decision, stating, “I do not make this decision lightly. Regardless of your party or who you voted for, these facts concern all Americans.” In response to McCarthy’s call for a formal impeachment inquiry, White House spokesperson Ian Sams criticized the move as politically motivated and lacking evidence.
McCarthy clarified his intent to reporters after leaving the House floor, reiterating that initiating an impeachment inquiry would provide House committees with the means to gather more information. When asked if he believed President Biden had committed an impeachable offense, McCarthy responded by emphasizing the importance of seeking answers to public questions.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump reportedly discussed an impeachment inquiry into President Biden with House Republicans. Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, a member of party leadership, updated Trump on the impeachment inquiry.
Senate Republicans were scheduled to receive a briefing from Representatives Jordan and Comer, providing them with the evidence they claimed to have uncovered. This information could be crucial for senators who had expressed the need for more details before deciding whether to support the impeachment inquiry.
In a joint statement, Comer, Jordan, and Smith expressed their support for the impeachment inquiry, vowing to follow the facts and ensure accountability for President Biden’s alleged abuse of public office.
Notably, Senator Mitt Romney, who previously voted to remove former President Trump from office, endorsed the use of an impeachment inquiry to access more information regarding Biden’s business dealings. Romney clarified that an inquiry was distinct from an impeachment, which would require evidence of a high crime or misdemeanor.
The announcement of the formal impeachment inquiry comes as McCarthy seeks to prevent a potential revolt from conservative hardliners and avoid a government shutdown. With a looming September 30 deadline to pass a spending measure to keep the government funded, House Republican leaders are considering a continuing resolution as a temporary solution while they negotiate a broader appropriations package.
However, members of the House Freedom Caucus have expressed their opposition to a continuing resolution unless it includes specific provisions related to border security and DOJ practices. They are also against further aid to Ukraine, potentially creating friction with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.
Amidst these tensions, Representative Matt Gaetz has publicly threatened to introduce a motion to vacate against McCarthy, potentially forcing a vote on McCarthy’s continued role as speaker. McCarthy dismissed the threat, suggesting Gaetz proceed with his plan. Gaetz reiterated this warning after McCarthy’s impeachment inquiry announcement, characterizing it as a small step following weeks of pressure from House conservatives.
