Despite the absence of concrete evidence implicating the president, the vote stood at 221 to 212 along strict party lines with every Republican voting in favour of it.The inquiry gives Republicans a reason to critique Biden as he gears up for his 2024 reelection campaign along with serving as a distraction from federal criminal trials faced by the anticipated Republican challenger, former president Donald Trump.
The core accusation against Hunter Biden revolves around alleged influence-peddling, suggesting that he traded on the family name in pay-to-play schemes during business dealings in Ukraine and China. Notably, these allegations pertain to events preceding Joe Biden’s presidency and the White House has consistently asserted that no wrongdoing occurred. Hunter Biden has denied his father’s involvement, asserting that his father was not financially involved in his business.
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Responding immediately after the vote, President Biden criticized Republicans for prioritizing political points over addressing crucial issues affecting Americans. Biden said, “Instead of doing anything to help make Americans’ lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies.”
Arguing that the inquiry has merit, house republican Elise Stefanik said, “As President Biden continues to stonewall lawful Congressional subpoenas, today’s vote of the full House of Representatives authorizing the inquiry puts us in the strongest position to enforce these subpoenas in court.”
Despite the Democrats noting that there is zero evidence supporting the inquiry, Republicans assert that the formal inquiry grants them new legal powers to uncover evidence with the speaker of the house Mike Johnson declaring, “It’s time to get the American people answers.”
The US Constitution allows Congress to remove a president for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” While the impeachment process is akin to a criminal indictment, the Senate trial that follows would determine the president’s fate. Given the Democratic majority in the Senate, the likelihood of President Biden being convicted remains slim.
(With inputs from agencies)