Formalized Inquiry Aims to Bolster Subpoena Power
The House impeachment inquiry, led by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, has been launched to investigate any foreign money received by the Biden family, President Biden’s involvement in his family’s foreign business dealings, and alleged efforts by the Biden administration to obstruct the investigation into Hunter Biden. Although the inquiry was not formally voted on the House floor, sources familiar with the matter have revealed that formalizing the inquiry would strengthen existing subpoenas and compel individuals, including Hunter Biden, to comply with testimonies and document production. Failure to comply may result in Hunter Biden being held in contempt of Congress.
Effort to Quash the Inquiry
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, has been quietly meeting with Republicans in an attempt to quash the impeachment inquiry. These meetings aim to counter GOP arguments, undermine investigative steps, and challenge the evidence collected throughout the investigation. Recent discussions indicate that some Republicans have been receptive to the Administration’s record of cooperation with investigators.
Fact Sheets Shared to Support Quashing the Inquiry
House Oversight Democrats have prepared “fact sheets” to be shared with both Democrats and Republicans, providing information to support their efforts to quash the impeachment inquiry. These fact sheets serve as fact-based appeals to House Republicans, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of the investigation before endorsing the impeachment effort.
Response from Republicans and White House
Despite efforts by Democrats to prevent the Oversight Committee from gathering evidence, Chairman Comer maintains that evidence already produced by the committee reveals Joe Biden’s involvement and benefit from his family’s financial activities. Republicans are determined to follow the facts and hold President Biden accountable for any corruption. In response, the White House has strongly criticized the impeachment inquiry, with President Biden consistently stating that he has never been engaged in business with his son or discussed his foreign business ventures.
In summary, the House impeachment inquiry is underway, with committees seeking to formalize the inquiry in order to strengthen subpoena power. Efforts to quash the inquiry have been met with fact-based appeals to House Republicans, while Republicans continue to investigate alleged corruption and hold President Biden accountable. The White House maintains that President Biden has had no involvement in his son’s business dealings.