US Prez Biden Faces Formal Impeachment Inquiry After McCarthy's Nod Amid Political Division
The basis for this impeachment inquiry, according to Republicans, centers on allegations that Joe Biden derived financial benefits during his tenure as vice president from 2009 to 2017.
In a move that is poised to deepen the existing divides among lawmakers, Republican U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has officially called for an impeachment inquiry into Democratic President Joe Biden. This development comes as legislators grapple with the arduous task of passing crucial legislation to avert a government shutdown. McCarthy claimed that the President's family has been "offered special treatment by Biden's own administration" and allegations against them "warrant investigation".
"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," McCarthy posted on X.
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. https://t.co/3uoDlUB3Sy
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) September 12, 2023
In the announcement, he said, "Despite the serious allegations, it appears that the President's family has been offered special treatment by Biden's own administration. Treatment otherwise they would not have received if they were not related to the President. These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption. They warrant further investigation by the House of Representatives. That's why today I am directing our House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden."
The basis for this impeachment inquiry, according to Republicans, centers on allegations that Biden derived financial benefits during his tenure as vice president from 2009 to 2017, purportedly linked to his son Hunter Biden's international business endeavors, a report by Reuters mentioned. However, as of now, no substantial evidence has been presented to corroborate these claims.
McCarthy's call for an impeachment inquiry is likely to evoke memories of the contentious impeachment proceedings against former Republican President Donald Trump, which occurred twice during his tenure in 2019 and 2021. Notably, Trump was acquitted on both occasions in the Senate, a fact that continues to be a source of frustration for many in McCarthy's Republican party.
In particular, lawmakers aligned with the Republican right-wing have vociferously insisted that they would seek to oust McCarthy from his leadership role in the House if he failed to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Biden, news agency Reuters reported.
President Biden, who triumphed over Trump in the 2020 election, is currently gearing up for re-election in the upcoming year.
McCarthy has revealed that lawmakers from various committees will commence the process of gathering evidence related to potential financial improprieties.
During a recent House hearing, a former business associate of Hunter Biden alleged that he peddled the "illusion" of access to power during his father's vice presidency. However, the White House has consistently maintained that there is no justifiable basis for launching an investigation into these allegations, and President Biden has openly ridiculed Republicans regarding the prospects of an impeachment.
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Joe Biden Impeachment Inquiry: Chances Of Successful Impeachment Remain Slim
Meanwhile, Democrats have been quick to cast Republican impeachment discussions as an attempt to divert public attention from the ongoing legal challenges faced by former President Trump who is seeking his party's nomination for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.Trump is currently grappling with four separate criminal indictments.
It is worth noting that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to impeach federal officials, including the president, for offenses such as treason, bribery, and "other high crimes and misdemeanors." However, the process necessitates approval by a simple majority vote in the House and a two-thirds majority in the Senate after conducting a trial.
Despite the Republican majority in the House, the chances of a successful impeachment of President Biden remain slim. Even if the House were to vote in favor of impeachment, a precarious proposition given the party's narrow 222-212 margin, it would almost certainly falter in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Former President Trump remains the sole U.S. president to have faced impeachment twice, with his acquittals stemming from Senate votes primarily cast by his Republican counterparts, preventing the requisite two-thirds majority for conviction.
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