In a move that is set to escalate political tensions ahead of the 2024 election year, the Republican-led US House of Representatives has voted to approve an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The inquiry, passed along party lines with 221 Republicans approving and 212 Democrats against, is based on allegations that Biden improperly benefited from his son Hunter’s business dealings. Despite no evidence of wrongdoing by the president, the new House Speaker, Mike Johnson, tied closely to former president Donald Trump, justified the probe, citing Biden’s alleged dishonesty about his son’s business activities.
Party Lines and Political Motivations
The impeachment inquiry comes at a time when three congressional panels have already initiated investigations into Hunter Biden’s work. Republicans argue that a full House vote strengthens their legal standing as they seek information from the White House. President Biden responded, accusing House Republicans of engaging in a “baseless political stunt” and criticized their focus on attacking him with “lies” instead of addressing issues facing the American people.
Hunter Biden’s Response and Ongoing Legal Issues
Hunter Biden, who faces a separate probe by special counsel David Weiss, offered to testify publicly about his business affairs but rejected a subpoena from the House to do so in private. Last week, he was charged by the US Department of Justice with nine federal tax offenses, including tax evasion. Hunter Biden acknowledged making “mistakes” but vehemently denied any financial involvement by his father in his business dealings.
Next Steps in the Impeachment Process
While the impeachment of a president requires a vote by the House at the end of an investigation, the Senate must convict the president in a separate trial to remove them from office. Former President Trump faced two impeachments but was acquitted in the Senate both times. The current impeachment inquiry into President Biden sets the stage for a potentially contentious legal and political battle.
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