House Republicans have released an impeachment inquiry report targeting President Joe Biden, focusing on alleged abuses of power and obstruction of justice connected to his son Hunter Biden's business activities.
CBS News reported that the nearly 300-page report, the result of an inquiry that lasted almost a year, does not accuse President Biden of any criminal wrongdoing but suggests that the Biden family engaged in corrupt practices that could meet the constitutional standard for impeachment.
The report, released ahead of the Democratic National Convention, highlights the Biden family's alleged use of their "brand" for financial gain, raising questions about potential impeachable offenses.
The House GOP's investigation zeroes in on the period following the death of Joe Biden's son Beau in 2015, particularly focusing on Hunter Biden’s business dealings during this time.
The report claims that the Biden family and their associates received $27 million in business payments and an additional $8 million in loans. It further alleges that Hunter Biden and his business partners leveraged the Biden family's connections to solicit foreign business deals.
Devon Archer, a former associate of Hunter Biden, provided testimony that emphasized the significance of the Biden "brand" in these transactions.
Archer’s testimony underscored that the family’s name was a crucial element in their business ventures, stating, "At the end of the day, part of what was delivered is the brand."
Despite the report's allegations, it stops short of directly accusing President Biden of criminal involvement. However, it strongly implies that the president was aware of his family's activities, stating it is "inconceivable" that he was unaware.
The Bidens, known for being a close-knit family, are frequently in communication, which has fueled suspicions among House Republicans about the president's possible involvement.
Hunter Biden, in a closed-door deposition, denied ever involving his father in his business dealings. Nevertheless, the report highlights phone calls and dinner meetings between Joe Biden and Hunter Biden as potential evidence of the president’s awareness or participation.
The White House has dismissed the impeachment inquiry as a "stunt," and President Biden declined a request to testify before the House. House Democrats have defended the Biden family, with particular focus on a $200,000 transaction between Joe Biden and his brother James in 2018, which they argue was a loan repayment.
The report also revisits accusations that the Justice Department "slow-walked" the investigation into Hunter Biden, an allegation denied by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Garland has asserted that "No one at the White House gave him or other senior Justice Department officials direction about the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation."
As House Republicans face an uncertain path forward, there is a noticeable lack of full support within their ranks for moving ahead with impeachment proceedings.
The likelihood of securing a conviction in the Senate remains low, and some GOP members are hesitant to proceed without a stronger public case.
The report, while comprehensive, struggles to present conclusive evidence directly linking President Biden to any criminal activity. This has led to growing doubts among Republicans about the viability of pursuing impeachment, particularly as they look to build a compelling narrative for the American public.
With President Biden having announced that he will not seek re-election, some Republicans are turning their attention to Vice President Kamala Harris. The report makes over 20 references to the "Biden-Harris administration," and new investigations have begun focusing on Harris and her potential vice-presidential pick, Tim Walz.
House committees have already initiated new probes into Harris, reflecting a strategic shift within the GOP.
These developments suggest that the Republican Party may be preparing to pivot its efforts away from President Biden and toward Vice President Harris as the 2024 election approaches.
The impeachment inquiry has been a major focus for the House GOP, spurred in large part by former President Donald Trump and his allies. The investigation includes an examination of Biden family finances dating back to 2009, with Republicans alleging a long-standing pattern of corruption.
Despite these efforts, the inquiry has faced challenges in building a compelling case against President Biden. The report draws comparisons between Trump's impeachments and the accusations against Biden, though it acknowledges the significant differences between the cases.
