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House Republicans leading the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden are discussing their timeline for drafting and voting on potential articles against him.
According to Newsweek, Representative James Comer, chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, and Ohio’s Jim Jordan, chair of the Judiciary Committee, have expressed their intention to interview individuals subpoenaed for depositions by the end of 2023, concluding the investigations into alleged corruption by Biden.
Upon completion of the impeachment inquiry, the Judiciary Committee will determine whether to draft articles of impeachment for a House vote. Jordan and Comer anticipate a vote as early as early 2024.
The GOP investigation centers on allegations that Biden improperly intervened in and benefited from his son Hunter’s business dealings with China and Ukraine during his vice presidency, including accusations of bribery. The White House and Hunter Biden’s lawyers deny the allegations, with Democrats criticizing the lack of substantial evidence.
A Politico report suggests that House Republicans are preparing for a potential impeachment vote in January 2024 after concluding remaining depositions by year-end.
Comer has subpoenaed members of Biden’s family, including James Biden and Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden is scheduled for a deposition on December 13, while James Biden’s deposition is set for December 6.
Jordan emphasized the importance of completing depositions this year before deciding on potential articles. Comer, speaking to Fox News, envisions a House impeachment vote in early spring, citing the Oversight panel’s discovery of “many smoking guns.”
However, some House Republicans, like Ken Buck and Don Bacon, remain unconvinced by the evidence and prefer letting the election process address the situation.
With a narrow 221-212 majority, House Republicans need near-unanimous support for any impeachment articles. Even if the House votes to impeach, a Senate conviction requires a two-thirds majority, which is unlikely in the Democrat-controlled chamber.
House Republicans plan to include obstruction allegations in impeachment articles if Biden administration members refuse to cooperate. Comer asserted their willingness to hold individuals in contempt for non-compliance with subpoenas, emphasizing transparency in their investigation.
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin criticized Comer for subpoenaing Biden family members, labeling the inquiry a “sham” and accusing Comer of distorting facts to distract from the lack of evidence against the president.