Tensions Rise As House Speaker McCarthy Teeters On Brink Of Biden Impeachment Inquiry

McCarthy has stated that he will proceed with a floor vote if he decides to pursue an inquiry into the Biden family's international business activities. However, he can only afford to lose four Republican votes in order to secure passage.

Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), who narrowly won his congressional election in 2022 and is facing a competitive reelection in 2024, expressed his reservations about impeachment. He emphasized the need for concrete evidence before taking any further action.

Similarly, Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) stated that there should be a direct link to the President in the evidence before considering an impeachment inquiry.

An unnamed Republican lawmaker, speaking to Fox News, cast doubt on the viability of the inquiry, stating, "I don't think they have the votes to get it."

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September 05, 2023

While it remains unclear how many Republicans are opposed to an impeachment inquiry, it is important to note that such an inquiry is distinct from the actual impeachment process. Republicans who vote against an inquiry may find themselves in the politically uncomfortable position of having to defend President Biden.

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Although Speaker McCarthy could bypass the tradition of a floor vote to initiate a formal inquiry, as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi did against former President Donald Trump, McCarthy has indicated that he will not take this route. He emphasized the seriousness of opening an impeachment inquiry and stated that it should occur through a vote on the House floor, involving all members, rather than being declared by one person.

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While McCarthy has not publicly committed to opening an impeachment inquiry, there have been reports that he has hinted at pursuing it by the end of the month. McCarthy has emphasized the importance of obtaining the requested documents from the Bidens, stating that the determination to proceed with an inquiry hinges on how the Bidens handled the situation.

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Complicating matters further is the government shutdown fight that McCarthy is currently facing. McCarthy supports a short-term stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution, to fund the government beyond September. Failure to take action would result in a government shutdown in October, at the start of the next fiscal year. However, some conservative members of McCarthy's caucus are demanding concessions, such as holding an impeachment inquiry vote in exchange for funding the government.

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Despite these challenges, a significant portion of the House GOP caucus appears to be in favor of an impeachment inquiry. Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer stated that there is consensus within the conference that an inquiry is necessary and that it is up to Speaker McCarthy to make the call. Comer, who has been leading House GOP investigations into the Biden family's international business dealings, believes that an impeachment inquiry is imminent.

Given the slim Republican majority in the House (222-to-212), McCarthy can only afford to lose four votes if all members are present. The House is scheduled to reconvene next week.