House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has announced a formal impeachment inquiry against President Biden on Tuesday, prompting an animated response from Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman and other lawmakers.
"Oh my God, really?" Fetterman exclaimed in disbelief when asked by a reporter about McCarthy's announcement. Fetterman then laughed and put his hands down while muttering "oooohhhh, don't do it" as a staffer attempted to lead him away.
In McCarthy's announcement, he said House Republicans have “uncovered serious and credible allegations into President Biden’s conduct” as the basis of an impeachment inquiry. The speaker said House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., will lead the inquiry in coordination with House Oversight Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo.j
McCarthy mentioned allegations that Biden has abused his power, obstructed justice, and been corrupt via his family’s business dealings. The speaker pointed out that bank records show nearly $20 million in payments directed to the Biden family members and associates through various shell companies and that the Treasury Department has more than 150 transactions involving the Biden family. He further said that a trusted FBI informant has alleged a bribe to the Biden family and that Biden used his official office to coordinate with Hunter Biden's business partners about Hunter's role in Burisma, the Ukrainian energy company.
McCarthy concluded his remarks by saying that it appears that the president's family has been offered special treatment by the Biden administration. Though the speaker didn’t provide any details on how he plans to move forward for the inquiry, he said that the allegations demand further investigation.
Meanwhile, the other Democrats’ reactions to the inquiry announcement have been just as animated. Other surprised members of the Senate called out McCarthy’s announcement with phrases like “bogus” and voiced that the inquiry was nothing more than a partisan attack.
With the announcement of the formal impeachment inquiry, some Democrats are speculating that a floor vote on the inquiry might take place before it can move forward, though the speaker was silent on that point.
For now, all eyes are on Biden as the House of Representatives prepares to launch a thorough investigation into the president and his alleged wrongdoings. With the minority leader of the United States House of Representatives taking such bold measures, the political tides look to be turning quickly.