House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has voiced support for an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, but he is also adamant that the approach taken by his predecessor, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, should not be repeated in regards to impeaching then-President Donald Trump—twice.
On Friday, the California Republican said an impeachment inquiry should only take place if it receives approval from a majority of the House—which is currently held by the GOP with a slight majority.
“To open an impeachment inquiry is a serious matter, and House Republicans would not take it lightly or use it for political purposes,” McCarthy stated in a statement to Breitbart News.
“The American people deserve to be heard on this matter through their elected representatives. That’s why, if we move forward with an impeachment inquiry, it would occur through a vote on the floor of the People’s House and not through a declaration by one person.”
McCarthy’s approach stands in stark contrast to Pelosi (D-Calif.), who unilaterally announced that the House was going ahead with an initial investigation into Trump following what many Republicans perceived as a manufactured controversy involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a phone call.
On September 24th, 2019 she declared “Today I’m announcing the House of Representatives is moving forward with official impeachment inquiry…The president must be held accountable; no one is above law.”
The White House refused cooperation until October 31st when the house officially authorized said investigation via vote 232-196.
Sources have indicated that conservative lawmakers are planning to launch an investigation into Biden over bribery allegations as well as other possible nefarious dealings with foreign governments later this month according to Fox News coverage of Monday night’s members-only conference call led by McCarthy himself where he apparently told GOP lawmakers that such an action was “the natural progression from our investigations that have been going on”.
Additionally, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo last month that there were plans to subpoena members of Biden’s family along with other associates in order to establish “a case” that would stand up in court before calling upon them for actual testimony: “We know this will end up in court when we subpoena Bidens…We want talk three or four more associates first…If they don’t come voluntarily then they’ll be subpoenaed”.
The prospect of launching another major government probe into presidential misconduct has elicited strong responses from both sides given its highly charged nature and potential consequences regardless of outcome, however, conservatives are still skeptical knowing they have Republican leaders like McCarthy who are reluctant to be bold.
It does seem however, McCarthy is committed to making sure any such process follows proper protocols while ensuring fairness and respecting American values all while providing accountability when needed most.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.
