The Republicans in the US House of Representatives are investigating possible impeachment proceedings against the US President Joe Biden (81) ahead.
The chamber voted with a majority of Republicans (221 votes to 212) on Wednesday to continue with the investigation and “formalize” it.
However, this does not yet open impeachment proceedings against the president.
Republicans accuse Biden of being involved in illegal activities by his son Hunter
Republicans accuse Biden of abusing his public office for his family’s financial gain. Your suspicion: Biden is said to have been involved in the illegal activities of his son Hunter Biden (53).
Hunter Biden (53) with his father, US President Joe Biden (81)
The former Republican Chairman of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy (58) already had on September 12th ordered “a formal impeachment investigation” against Biden.
“These are allegations of abuse of power, cover-up and corruption and they warrant further investigation,” McCarthy said at the time. Biden knew about his son’s business activities abroad and “lied” to the population about it.
Biden calls investigation a “baseless political move”
However, the Republicans have not yet presented any clear evidence of serious misconduct by the US President. Even many Republicans admit that there is no evidence of wrongdoing.
In a statement released by the US Presidential Office, Biden called the investigation a “baseless political move.” House Republicans focused on attacking him “with lies.”
The Democrats see the Republicans’ actions as revenge by the conservative party for the two impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump during his presidency – and an attempt to politically damage Biden before the presidential election in November next year.
Because one thing is clear: the dispute is taking place against the backdrop of the election campaign. In November 2024, in addition to the US President, a third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives will be re-elected.
Biden’s impeachment is considered impossible
Wednesday’s vote is a technical step that Republicans hope will give them more legal leverage in their investigations – it does not mean that impeachment proceedings will begin.
A new majority in the House of Representatives would be necessary for a so-called impeachment of the President – in a sense, the indictment in an impeachment proceeding. A two-thirds majority in the Senate would then be required for actual impeachment.
BUT: An actual impeachment of Biden is considered impossible because his Democrats are the majority in the Senate.