In recent news, there has been a growing debate about whether Congress has an obligation to launch an impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden. This discussion stems from allegations that Joe Biden lied to the American people about his involvement in his son Hunter’s business deals. Prominent voices, such as Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley, argue that Congress must investigate these claims, citing the potential for bribery and the need for accountability. However, the question remains: Can Congress initiate an impeachment inquiry for actions that occurred before holding the office of the presidency?

To understand the potential grounds for launching an impeachment inquiry against Biden, we must first examine the constitutional framework. Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution states that “The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” While the Constitution does not explicitly specify whether these alleged actions must occur during the official’s tenure, it leaves room for interpretation.

According to Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, the answer to whether Congress can launch an impeachment inquiry for pre-office actions is unclear. The language in the Constitution does not limit impeachment to offenses committed while in office. However, this ambiguity has led to differing legal opinions on the matter.

The question of pre-office impeachment has sparked a range of legal opinions. Some argue that impeachment is solely a political process, not a legal one. Fox News contributor Andy McCarthy emphasizes this perspective, stating that impeachment is a tool for addressing misconduct, regardless of when it occurred. McCarthy’s view underscores the political nature of impeachment, which relies on Congress’s judgment and the will of the American people.

On the other hand, senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation, Hans A. von Spakovsky, highlights the absence of explicit language in the Constitution regarding pre-office actions. He asserts that the crucial impeachment language does not limit offenses to those committed while in office. This interpretation suggests that Congress could potentially launch an impeachment inquiry based on allegations predating Biden’s presidency.

Despite the legal debate, proponents of launching an impeachment inquiry against Biden stress the importance of accountability. Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, argues that Congress has an obligation to investigate allegations of lying and potential bribery. Turley points to Biden’s alleged involvement in his son’s business dealings and the significant sums of money involved. He emphasizes the need to address unanswered questions and ensure that no one is above the law.

JONATHAN TURLEY: We often talk about the powers of Congress and not its obligations. What is the House supposed to do? You know, you have a president who has clearly lied, lied for years, lied to the American people, lied through his representatives at the White House during his presidency. He obviously did know about these deals. He had involvement with some of these meetings. There was money that went to China. And then you’ve got IRS agents saying that the fix was in, that this case was actively managed to avoid serious charges for the president’s son. You have millions of dollars moving through a labyrinth of accounts. You have a trusted source saying that there was a bribery allegation. The crime that is the second one mentioned in the impeachment clause. So what are you supposed to do about that? And the answer is you have to investigate. And an impeachment inquiry gives the House that ability. It doesn’t mean they’re going to impeach. It means they’re taking the responsibility seriously no matter what the administration may want out of this. The one thing the House cannot allow is for these questions to go unanswered.

Turley’s stance resonates with those who believe that no individual, regardless of their position, should escape scrutiny for alleged wrongdoing. The potential bribery allegation, mentioned in the impeachment clause, raises concerns about the integrity of the presidency and the importance of upholding ethical standards.

Congress, as the legislative body representing the American people, holds significant responsibility in ensuring transparency and accountability within the government. While launching an impeachment inquiry does not guarantee impeachment, it signifies a serious commitment to investigating allegations and uncovering the truth.

An impeachment inquiry allows Congress to exercise its oversight powers and gather evidence to assess the credibility of the allegations against Biden. It provides a platform for witnesses to testify, documents to be subpoenaed, and a thorough examination of the facts. The House of Representatives, in particular, plays a pivotal role in initiating an impeachment inquiry and determining whether impeachment is warranted.

Impeachment inquiries have significant implications for both the presidency and the American public. They serve as a mechanism to hold elected officials accountable and maintain the integrity of the office. Impeachment inquiries provide a platform for the presentation of evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments, ensuring a fair process.

Furthermore, impeachment inquiries have the power to shape public perception and influence future elections. They shed light on potential misconduct, allowing voters to make informed decisions based on the evidence presented. Impeachment inquiries also contribute to the historical record, providing a comprehensive account of a president’s actions and their consequences.

In response to calls for an impeachment inquiry, the Biden administration has maintained that Biden did not engage in any wrongdoing. They argue that the allegations surrounding his son’s business dealings are baseless and politically motivated. The White House asserts that Biden has been transparent about his involvement and that there is no evidence of bribery or other impeachable offenses.

However, critics question the validity of these claims and argue that a thorough investigation is necessary to ascertain the truth. The allegations raised against Biden carry significant weight, and it is essential to address them in a comprehensive and impartial manner.

The question of whether Congress has an obligation to launch an impeachment inquiry against Biden for pre-office actions remains a topic of debate. While the constitutional framework does not explicitly address this scenario, legal opinions differ on the matter. Proponents of an impeachment inquiry argue that it is Congress’s responsibility to investigate allegations of lying and potential bribery. They emphasize the need for accountability and transparency, regardless of when the alleged actions occurred.