In a press conference on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the forthcoming vote to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Biden, arguing that unlike the Democrats' "sham impeachment" of former President Trump, Republicans are committed to upholding the "rule of law.
".
Fox News' Chad Pergram questioned Johnson about the GOP's anticipated move to bring an impeachment vote in the spring, ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Johnson clarified that House Republicans have reached a deadlock in their investigations into President Biden's alleged involvement in his son, Hunter Biden's business dealings.
He stated that the White House is obstructing the investigation by not allowing witnesses to testify and withholding thousands of pages of documents. He emphasized that the upcoming vote to formalize the impeachment inquiry is not equivalent to a vote to impeach.
"We have no choice but to fulfill our constitutional responsibility. We have to take the next step. This is not a political decision, but a legal one," Johnson asserted at the House Republican Conference press conference. "We cannot prejudge the outcome as the Constitution does not permit us to do so. We have to follow the truth wherever it leads us, and that is exactly what we intend to do."
Addressing concerns about the time invested in the impeachment probe, Johnson argued that this process is in line with the founders' intentions. He criticized the Democrats' impeachment of President Trump as a "snap impeachment" and a "sham," and urged patience, stating, "If you follow the Constitution and do the right thing, you cannot rush it. You have to follow the facts."
When asked about the potential decision not to impeach President Biden based on the inquiry's findings, Johnson reiterated, "We're not going to prejudge the outcome of this. It's not a political calculation. We're following the law, and we are the rule of law team."
The vote on Wednesday will enable the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways and Means committees to continue their investigations into the Biden family's business dealings, explained House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn. He accused the Biden administration of "stonewalling our investigations."
Emmer revealed that the Justice Department has denied two attorneys permission to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. He also mentioned a letter sent by the White House to House Oversight and Accountability Chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., and House Judiciary Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, stating their refusal to comply with subpoenas and requests for interviews without a formal vote. Emmer further highlighted the National Archives' withholding of "thousands of pages of documents and emails."
"It's clear the House will have to defend our lawful investigations in court, and passing this resolution will put us in the best position possible to enforce our subpoenas and set forth a clear process," Emmer stated.
He emphasized that voting in favor of an impeachment inquiry does not equate to impeachment. "We will continue to follow the facts wherever they lead. And if they uncover evidence of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors, then and only then will the next steps towards impeachment proceedings be considered. No one in this country is above the law, and that includes President Joe Biden."
Login