Biden Impeachment Inquiry

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R, CA-20) yesterday announced the House will open an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over allegations of possible financial misconduct. McCarthy is launching the proceedings without a formal House vote and is directing three House committees—Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means—to carry out the inquiry, allowing them to use their subpoena power to directly investigate potential wrongdoings by the president.

House Republicans have been investigating the business dealings of the Biden family, including the president's son, Hunter Biden, who currently faces federal charges over tax evasion and a gun violation. House Republicans claim President Biden profited off his son's overseas business ventures while serving as vice president during 2009-17. Those allegations are based on an FBI tip sheet, which the FBI says can contain incomplete and uncorroborated information.

The House would need to bring articles of impeachment against President Biden if it finds evidence of wrongdoing and adopt the charges by a simple majority vote. The Senate would then hold an impeachment trial (see overview). Only three presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. None were convicted by the Senate.