US House Speaker orders impeachment inquiry into President Biden

US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced Tuesday he was ordering House Republicans to move ahead with an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

"Today, I am directing our House committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden," McCarthy said at the U.S. Capitol in a short formal statement. He did not take questions from reporters.

McCarthy previously indicated there would be a full House vote for an impeachment inquiry, as has happened in the past, but as of Tuesday he didn't appear to have the votes to open one.

He has signaled a Biden impeachment inquiry for weeks, in part to placate GOP hard-liners, and in order to obtain bank records and other documents from Biden and his son, Hunter.

House Republicans have been investigating for months alleged ties implicating Biden in his son's business dealings, but have so far have not been able to prove any wrongdoing by the president.

McCarthy said House Republicans, during the August recess, uncovered "serious and credible allegations into President Biden's conduct. Taken together, these allegations paint a picture of a culture of corruption."

"I do not make this decision lightly," Speaker McCarthy added. "Regardless of your party, or who you voted for, these facts concern all Americans."

Source: ABC News

002