House Republicans are holding the first hearing of their impeachment inquiry into President Biden, with the aim of justifying their case to the public. In a 30-page memo obtained by CBS News, the Republican chairs of the House Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees outlined their view of the factual and legal basis for an impeachment inquiry into Mr. Biden. They are investigating whether he abused his federal office to enrich his family and conceal misconduct. However, witness for the majority Jonathan Turley, a law professor, stated that he doesn’t believe there is currently enough evidence for articles of impeachment. The White House criticized House Republicans for launching the inquiry just days before the government is set to shut down.
According to House GOP committees, the purpose of the impeachment inquiry is to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to draft articles of impeachment against President Biden. Republicans argue that the Biden family sold access to Joe Biden’s power and that the Biden Justice Department protected the Biden brand. However, witness Jonathan Turley believes that while there is enough evidence for an impeachment inquiry, there isn’t currently enough evidence for articles of impeachment. The White House criticized House Republicans for launching the inquiry so close to a potential government shutdown, which would have damaging consequences for the American people. Meanwhile, House Democrats set up a clock counting down the hours until the shutdown begins.
Democrats view the Republican impeachment inquiry as a delay tactic aimed at protecting former President Trump. They argue that Trump’s encouragement to shut down the government is an attempt to defund ongoing criminal prosecutions against him and his supporters. Democrats emphasize that Trump’s followers in the House are carrying out his messages and seeking to shut down the prosecutions. They claim that Republicans are targeting President Biden for his son’s actions and alleged actions, which they consider an illegitimate fishing expedition. The full House has not yet voted to launch an impeachment inquiry, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy directed House committees to initiate the inquiry in response to pressure from conservative members of his conference.