The House of Representatives, led by the GOP, has formally authorized an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden. The chamber adopted the authorization resolution by a vote of 221-212, providing “sufficient grounds” for the probe to continue. This move follows a similar path to the first impeachment probe against former President Donald Trump, which Democrats did not immediately vote to authorize either.

Republicans have rallied behind the resolution, including Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) who initially expressed uncertainty about his vote. He cited a perceived lack of evidence against Biden but also criticized the White House’s resistance to the inquiry. The only member who did not cast a vote was Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), a Democrat critic of the impeachment effort, who was unable to vote because of a family bereavement.

Since mid-September, three committees – Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means – have spearheaded the impeachment probe. The investigation focuses on whether the business activities of Biden’s family members fostered government corruption, driven by a money trail indicating millions of dollars from foreign countries. It also examines the Department of Justice’s handling of a criminal investigation into Hunter Biden.

Joe Biden has dismissed the allegations as a “bunch of lies.” However, GOP lawmakers maintain that Biden has lied multiple times in his denials about his knowledge and involvement in his family’s affairs. House Democrats have labeled the impeachment inquiry a “sham,” lacking legitimacy and evidence of Biden’s wrongdoing.

U.S. House APPROVES Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden, 221-212. pic.twitter.com/TH6JNpHF8H

— CSPAN (@cspan) December 13, 2023

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stated that a vote to formalize the impeachment inquiry was necessary to counter alleged “stonewalling” by the White House. He emphasized the House’s responsibility to follow each truth where it leads when asked if investigators have found any evidence that Biden is guilty of impeachable offenses.

Biden’s special counsel, Richard Sauber, wrote to impeachment leaders in mid-November, criticizing what he described as “Congressional harassment of the President.” He called on the House to withdraw its subpoenas and interview requests directed at Biden administration officials, Biden family members, and Biden associates.

Hunter Biden has been a high-profile individual resisting a subpoena. He appeared on Capitol Hill but declined to show up for his scheduled deposition, insisting instead that lawmakers allow him to appear for a public hearing. House Republicans spotlighted Hunter Biden’s denial that his father financially benefited from his business dealings, arguing it as evidence that the Biden family’s narrative keeps shifting under scrutiny.

The formalization of the impeachment inquiry aims to “strengthen our legal case in the courts as we face obstruction from the White House and witnesses,” according to Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). They also announced plans to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against Hunter Biden. The duo reinforced the importance of holding Biden and his family accountable for their alleged corruption and obstruction, promising to deliver this accountability to the American people.