September 12, 2023
These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption, and they warrant further investigation by the House of Representatives.
United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announcing Tuesday he has directed a House committee to begin an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
What To Know: In McCarthy's announcement, he cited allegations regarding the Biden family's business dealings stemming from recent investigations conducted in the House. He said, "taken together, these allegations paint a picture of a culture of corruption." The impeachment inquiry will be led by Rep. James Comer (R-KY) "in coordination with" Rep. Jim Jordon (R-OH) and Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO).
Allegations: Speaker McCarthy alleges President Biden "lied about his family's foreign business dealings," that "bank records show $20 million in payments directed to family" through "shell companies" flagged as "suspicious activity," and that President Biden's family was offered "special treatment" by the current administration.
What's An Impeachment Inquiry? "An impeachment inquiry is an investigation of possible wrongdoing by a federal official, such as the president of the United States … The process is written into the Constitution and is the most powerful check that Congress has on the executive branch. While the House of Representatives wields the power to impeach a federal official, only the Senate has the ability to convict and remove an individual from office. To date, no president has ever been forced from the White House through impeachment" (The Associated Press).
Why It Matters: This investigation comes ahead of – and will potentially last until – the 2024 presidential election, in which President Biden is running for reelection. On Tuesday, McCarthy said, "I would encourage the President and his team to fully cooperate with this investigation in the interest of transparency." In response, the White House has called the inquiry "extreme politics at its worst."
Speaker McCarthy Opens an Impeachment Inquiry
Speaker McCarthy directs a House panel to open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Launches Formal Biden Impeachment Inquiry
by Jenna Lee,
