House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Tuesday he is directing House committees to open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, amid pressure from some hard-right members of the Republican caucus to do so.

The inquiry would center on whether Biden benefited from his son Hunter Biden’s business dealings, among other issues, McCarthy said.

“These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption and warrant further investigation by the House of Representatives,” McCarthy told reporters Tuesday morning. “That’s why today I am directing our House committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.”

McCarthy spoke for three minutes, did not take any questions and left the lectern shortly after making his remarks. McCarthy has previously said he would not launch an inquiry without a vote by the full house.

The House faces a critical Sept. 30 deadline to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. McCarthy has been trying to hang on to support for a funding bill from far-right GOP lawmakers, who have been pushing to impeach Biden.

Republican leaders have been weighing whether to use an impeachment inquiry vote as a bargaining chip in the funding negotiations. But it’s not certain that Republicans have the necessary 218 votes to pass it. Some lawmakers are staunchly against it, and McCarthy has said that an impeachment inquiry would occur through a vote on the House floor, as opposed to his unilateral decision-making.

  • gregorum
    link
    fedilink
    English
    171 year ago

    Hilariously, they’re also trying to shut the government down at the same time. How the fuck do they think this is supposed to work?

    • Bakkoda
      link
      fedilink
      111 year ago

      Panic. Fear. Uncertainty. All tools of an oppressor. If you create chaos you can blame anyone you want.

      • gregorum
        link
        fedilink
        English
        51 year ago

        Well, let’s not forget the obvious here: stupidity, jealousy, shortsightedness, and just plain old blind opportunism. All the basic characteristics of a Republican Congress-member. 

    • Janoose
      link
      fedilink
      81 year ago

      They’re planning on passing a bill that gives impeachment inquiries unlimited funds by taking money away from everything that might actually benefit the American people?

      Republicans don’t live in reality, it’s very difficult to follow their “logic”.