The U.S. House of Representatives, under its narrow GOP majority, has passed a resolution to formalize a Republican-led impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The resolution, approved by a party-line vote of 221-212, aims to investigate Biden’s connection to his family’s business dealings, a probe that has yet to yield any evidence of wrongdoing by the president.
This decision followed a contentious day on Capitol Hill, marked by Hunter Biden’s refusal to attend a closed-door deposition after being subpoenaed. Instead, he conducted a press conference, insisting on a public hearing to address the committee’s questions and criticize the investigation.
The formalization of the impeachment inquiry, championed by House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, is seen by Republicans as necessary to enforce subpoenas amidst accusations of stonewalling by the Biden administration.
However, Democrats and the White House have condemned the move as a political stunt and a baseless fishing expedition. In a statement following the vote, President Biden criticized the Republicans for focusing on political attacks rather than addressing pressing national and international issues. He urged the GOP to join him in tackling real challenges facing Americans.
Democrats have rallied in defense of Biden, accusing Republicans of pursuing former President Donald Trump’s agenda. Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, a leading Democrat on the House Oversight panel, labeled the investigation as aimless and obstructive to legislative progress. Meanwhile, Republicans have signaled intentions to hold Hunter Biden in contempt following his defiance of the subpoena.
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