Republicans recently held their first impeachment inquiry hearing into President Joe Biden over allegations that he benefitted from his family's foreign business dealings. However, it is essential to note that this does not mean the president has been formally charged or that he will be removed from office.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, has described the formal impeachment inquiry as a "logical next step" for House Republicans, even though they were already investigating the president and his family's finances.
The investigation conducted by House Republicans is expected to conclude in the next few months to over a year. Following its completion, the House Judiciary Committee will have the option to draft formal articles of impeachment against the president. These articles would serve as the basis for an impeachment trial, potentially leading to President Biden's removal.
During the inquiry hearing held by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Congresswoman Nancy Mace suggested that President Biden committed treason by accepting bribes from Mykola Zlovchesky, the owner of Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings.
Expert witnesses who testified during the hearing include Bruce Dubinsky, Founder of Dubinsky Consulting and a forensic accountant; Eileen O'Connor, Former Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice Tax Division; and Jonathan Turley, Shapiro Chair for Public Interest Law at George Washington University Law School.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, raised questions about Hunter Biden, focusing on allegations of his involvement with women and tax-related issues. She referenced a July release by Senator Chuck Grassley, which revealed an FBI document suggesting that Joe Biden was involved in a $10 million bribery scheme with Mykola Zlochevsky, the CEO of Burisma Holdings.
During the hearing, Greene also drew attention to a lack of response from the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding a letter she and Chairman Comer sent, in which they sought information on victims of Hunter Biden, specifically related to allegations of sexual exploitation and improper tax deductions.
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House Oversight Chair James Comer Right: President Joe Biden
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Additionally, Greene shared an email exchange between Hunter Biden and Serbian politician Vuc Jeremic, in which they discussed a meeting with "the big man," which she claimed was evidence of influence peddling.
Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida, expressed his concerns about Hunter Biden's business dealings and sought insights from Bruce Dubinsky, the forensic accountant, regarding evidence presented during the proceedings.
The House Republicans' inquiry aims to gather evidence of potential wrongdoing by President Biden; however, it is crucial to emphasize that no formal charges have been brought against him. The process will continue, and possible next steps may include releasing a report summarizing the findings, legal actions or referrals, congressional hearings, or policy recommendations.