Next Steps Following the Republican-Led Impeachment Inquiry Into President Joe Biden

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has announced the initiation of an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, acquiescing to the escalating pressure from former President Donald Trump and his supporters. This move sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation between the legislative and executive branches, particularly in an election year.

In a recent statement, McCarthy indicated that ongoing House investigations into the Biden family have revealed what he describes as a “corrosive culture of corruption” that warrants further scrutiny. “The issues at hand involve allegations of abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and corruption,” McCarthy noted.

To advance the impeachment inquiry, McCarthy has tasked the chairpersons of the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways and Means committees. These committees have already been collaboratively investigating various aspects related to the Biden family for several months.

What Does an Impeachment Inquiry Entail?

An impeachment inquiry constitutes a formal investigation into the potential misconduct of a federal official, which can include the President, Cabinet members, or federal judges. This process is codified in the U.S. Constitution and serves as Congress’s most potent form of oversight over the executive branch.

The House of Representatives holds the sole power to impeach, while the Senate has the exclusive authority to convict and remove an official from office. Historically, no president has been ousted from the White House through this mechanism, although former President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 just as the House was gearing up to vote on his impeachment.

What Drives Republicans to Pursue Impeachment Against Biden?

Since gaining control of the House in January, Republicans have been vigorously probing both President Biden and his son, alleging involvement in an influence peddling scheme. These claims resonate with allegations that former President Trump has been making against the Bidens for years.

Republican focus has particularly centered on a yet-to-be-verified tip made to the FBI regarding an alleged bribery scheme involving Biden during his vice-presidential tenure. The Democrats, however, point out that a Justice Department investigation conducted under the Trump administration found “insufficient evidence” to further pursue these claims.

Nevertheless, multiple House committees have been exploring different aspects related to President Biden and his son Hunter, such as Hunter’s leveraging of the “Biden name” to further his business endeavors abroad. These investigations have thus far failed to provide evidence directly implicating the President in his son’s business dealings.

Does an Impeachment Inquiry Presage Impeachment?

Initiating an impeachment inquiry does not automatically lead to impeachment. House Republicans have been cautious in their use of the term due to its significant political ramifications.

House Speaker McCarthy has expressed that the inquiry is crucial for Congress to utilize its full oversight capabilities in the investigation into the Biden family. “Impeachment is not an end in itself,” stated Rep. Darrell Issa, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, “but a mechanism to assert that this is not merely legislative oversight; it’s an investigation into potential wrongdoing.”

What Evidence is at Hand?

Under the chairmanship of Rep. James Comer, the House Oversight Committee has amassed thousands of pages of financial documents pertaining to various members of the Biden family through subpoenas issued to the Treasury Department and multiple financial institutions. Despite the volume of documents, no conclusive evidence linking Hunter Biden’s business activities to policy decisions made by Joe Biden during his vice-presidency has been presented.

How Will the Inquiry Unfold?

McCarthy has designated Rep. James Comer to lead the impeachment inquiry, alongside House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith. While a vote was previously suggested to officially initiate the inquiry, McCarthy has not confirmed this action, nor is it mandated by the Constitution or House rules.

What is the Anticipated Timeline?

The duration of the impeachment inquiry is indefinite, ranging from a few months to potentially a year or more, depending upon the strategy of the Republican leadership. The only strict deadline would be the end of the current Congressional session on January 2, 2025.

What Are the Implications if Impeachment Proceeds?

Should Republicans opt to move forward with impeachment, the Judiciary Committee would be responsible for drafting the articles of impeachment. A majority vote in the House would be required to impeach the President, after which the case would move to the Senate for trial. The likelihood of a conviction in the Senate, where Democrats hold a 52-48 majority, appears slim.

Should the Senate convict, Biden would be the first President in history to be removed from office, a scenario that currently seems improbable given the Senate dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Impeachment Inquiry against President Joe Biden

More about Impeachment Inquiry against President Joe Biden

• U.S. Constitution on Impeachment
• House Judiciary Committee
• Overview of the Impeachment Process in the United States
• History of Presidential Impeachments in the U.S.
• The Role of the Senate in Impeachment Trials
• Legal Framework for Impeachment
• Kevin McCarthy’s Statement on Impeachment Inquiry
• FBI Investigation into Hunter Biden
• Merrick Garland Appoints Special Counsel for Hunter Biden Case
• Previous Impeachment Inquiries and Their Outcomes
• Influence Peddling Allegations Against the Bidens
• Political Ramifications of Impeachment Inquiries