House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has taken what many in the GOP view as a decisive and overdue step, greenlighting an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. [Source]
On Wednesday, McCarthy announced that House committees would launch a formal impeachment investigation. This announcement isn’t just another chapter in the polarizing discourse between Democrats and Republicans. It reflects growing concerns about the “culture of corruption” surrounding the Biden administration.
“I am directing our House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Over the past several months, House Republicans have uncovered serious and credible allegations into President Biden’s conduct—a culture of corruption,” said McCarthy in a video he posted.
“The logical next step.” That’s how McCarthy described the move to initiate an impeachment probe during a special conference meeting held on Thursday. The meeting was led by key figures in the Republican party, including House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan and House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer of Kentucky.
An inquiry marks the beginning of the impeachment procedure, during which evidence is collected to form the articles or accusations against the official in question.
McCarthy has affirmed that an impeachment inquiry would only proceed through a formal House vote. “To open an impeachment inquiry is a serious matter, and House Republicans would not take it lightly or use it for political purposes,” he told Breitbart News. “The American people deserve to be heard on this matter through their elected representatives.”
The battle for the needed 218 votes to move forward with the impeachment inquiry is far from certain. While some members of the GOP, such as Reps. Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan, have been vocal supporters, other Republicans have expressed skepticism.
If Biden’s impeachment vote passes, it would mark the first time a U.S. president has been removed from office in this manner.
Representatives Ken Buck and Don Bacon have been less enthusiastic about the endeavor. Given the narrow Republican majority, they can only afford to lose five votes, raising the stakes for this political move.
Critics, like Rep. Dan Bishop, argue that McCarthy seems to be “dangling” the issue to avoid confronting deeper spending cuts and GOP priorities in government funding talks.
If the impeachment inquiry does not proceed, the GOP might face internal discord. Gaetz has threatened McCarthy’s leadership position if he doesn’t follow through.
This story is still developing…