WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a partisan vote of 221 – 212, the House voted to formally launch an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden Wednesday evening. At the center of the inquiry is President Biden’s son, Hunter, and his questionable business dealings.
The hardest things for House Republicans in this process thus far, have been showing concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the President, himself, and getting enough support to bring the resolution to the House floor for a full vote.
Hunter Biden was at the Capitol on Wednesday and admitted certain decisions he made in past were wrong.
“In the depths of my addiction, I was extremely irresponsible with my finances. But to suggest that is grounds for an impeachment inquiry is beyond the absurd,” said Hunter Biden. “There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen,” he added.
House Democrats echoed similar remarks on Capitol Hill Wednesday, saying there’s no evidence linking President Biden to the high crimes or misdemeanors necessary for impeachment.
“After eleven months, nobody can tell you what Joe Biden’s alleged crime is, where it happened, when it happened, what the motive was or who the victims are,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D- MD), ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.
House Republicans say launching this inquiry will result in more evidence necessary to complete the investigation.
“Is there something that’s taken place that really threatens the safety and security of the United States,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA). “This should not be done casually. It has to be done through a certain process. I’m all for doing the inquiry, but the impeachment process itself can only take place after we are absolutely, rock solid sure that something has taken place and it’s an impeachable offense,” Kelly added.
The formal inquiry will essentially allow committees and House investigators to enforce their subpoenas and obtain the information they say they need for their investigation.