In a recent development on Capitol Hill, House Speaker Mike Johnson has strongly supported the upcoming vote to initiate a formal impeachment inquiry against President Biden. Johnson emphasized that this move, unlike the impeachment of former President Trump, which he termed a “sham,” is grounded in a commitment to legal principles and the rule of law.
During a press conference, Chad Pergram from Fox News questioned Johnson about the expectations of the Republican base for an impeachment vote before the 2024 presidential election. Johnson clarified that the House Republicans have reached a critical juncture in their probe into President Biden’s alleged ties to his son Hunter Biden’s business activities. He expressed frustration over the White House’s alleged obstruction, citing the withholding of key witnesses and vital documents. The upcoming vote, scheduled for Wednesday, is a step towards formalizing the impeachment inquiry, not a decision to impeach. Johnson stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional responsibilities and following the truth.
Johnson also addressed the concerns about the duration of the impeachment investigation, asserting that a thorough and constitutional process cannot be rushed. Responding to a journalist’s question about the possibility of not impeaching the president in the spring, Johnson maintained that they would not prejudge the outcome, as their actions are guided by legal, not political, considerations.
House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., added that Wednesday’s vote is crucial for the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways and Means committees to continue their investigations into the Biden family’s business dealings. He pointed out the Justice Department’s refusal to allow two attorneys to testify and the White House’s lack of cooperation with subpoenas and interview requests. Emmer highlighted the importance of this resolution in strengthening their position to enforce subpoenas and establish a clear investigative process.
Emmer concluded that supporting an impeachment inquiry doesn’t equate to an endorsement of impeachment. The committees will continue to follow the evidence, and only if they find evidence of serious offenses like treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors, will they consider moving towards actual impeachment proceedings. Emphasizing that no one in the country is above the law, including President Biden, the House Republicans appear resolved to pursue their investigative course.