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House Republicans Navigate Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden

House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.), left, Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), center, and Oversight and Accountability Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) speak with reporters after the House passed a bill to formalize an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, Dec. 13, 2023. | Francis Chung/POLITICO

House Republicans are facing a dilemma as they move forward with a formalized impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, with concerns arising about their ability to secure enough votes for an actual impeachment. The GOP’s delicate majority, with only a three-vote margin, and the presence of 17 incumbents representing districts won by Biden add complexity to the situation.

While Republicans emphasize that the inquiry is aimed at strengthening investigations, doubts persist about finding clear evidence linking Biden’s decisions to his family’s business deals. Some centrists within the party argue that investigators must meet a high evidentiary bar to gain sufficient support for impeachment.

The article highlights the potential risks for Republicans if they fail to proceed with a full-scale impeachment vote, as it may lead to backlash from the right flank, former President Donald Trump, and an increasingly impatient base that perceives impeachment as inevitable.

Leadership faces the challenge of satisfying both impeachment skeptics and supporters within their ranks, with a decision on drafting impeachment articles expected in late January. The article outlines additional steps in the process, including potential court battles, the standoff with Hunter Biden, outstanding document requests, and a report on investigators’ findings.

Despite claims by some Republicans that the case for impeachment is compelling, doubts persist within the party, extending beyond battleground districts. Concerns are raised about potential tripwires associated with specific charges, such as obstruction and bribery allegations, with the need for irrefutable evidence.

The article underscores the ongoing investigation into the business deals of Hunter Biden and allegations of political interference, acknowledging the challenges Republicans face in gaining traction outside of conservative media. The delicate balance of investigating into an election year and maintaining a slim majority in areas won by Biden in 2020 is highlighted, with some Republicans attempting to manage voter expectations regarding the inquiry.

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