Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Several members of Utah's all-Republican congressional delegation are supportive of an impeachment inquiry into yet unproven allegations against President Joe Biden, but haven't said whether the president's actions warrant impeachment.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, spoke with reporters at the U.S. Capitol shortly after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California, called on his caucus to open a formal inquiry into the president.
An impeachment inquiry allows the House of Representatives to investigate alleged "high crimes and misdemeanors" against the president but does not necessarily signal that lawmakers will vote to impeach the president — a distinction Romney pointed out.
"The fact that the White House has been singularly silent and coddled Hunter Biden suggests an inquiry is not inappropriate," he told reporters, adding that "inquiring is something the president and the White House could have avoided, but they've been pretty quiet."
He called Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings "ugly" and criticized the White House for "not indicating what it is the president knew," but noted that to this point there have been no allegations of a high crime or misdemeanor on the part of the president.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said the impeachment process "should not be taken lightly" in a statement to KSL.com, and said Americans have a right to transparency with top elected officials.
"Impeachment authority should not be taken lightly. It is a constitutional responsibility of Congress when a federal official has committed high crimes and misdemeanors," he said. "I commend Speaker McCarthy's decision to open an impeachment inquiry for President Biden. The allegations of corruption are disturbing to all Americans and necessitate this course of action. The American people have a right to know the facts and deserve a comprehensive and thorough process to uncover them."
Rep. John Curtis, another Utah Republican, said he is "closely monitoring" the formal inquiry, but remains focused on legislating. The U.S. House returned from its August recess this week to the specter of a government shutdown if Congress can't agree on a spending package before funding expires on Sept. 30.
"I am pleased that Congress will have the opportunity to examine the allegations against President Biden," Curtis said. "At the same time, I am committed to legislating as well as oversight, both of which are important work that my colleagues and I have been sent to Washington to do. I will continue to advocate for full transparency while getting things done for Utahns."
"House Republicans brought oversight back to the People's House, and our impeachment inquiry will focus on gathering all the facts for the American people," Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, told KSL.com in a statement. "Since January, concerning and credible allegations against President Joe Biden have come to light, including abuse of power, obstruction of justice, corrupt foreign business dealings, and influence-peddling schemes that have led to tens of millions of dollars in the pockets of several members of the Biden family. Americans deserve accountability from their president, and House Republicans will use every tool in our toolbox to uncover the truth."
The narrowly divided government and McCarthy's tenuous hold on the speakership could imperil the budget talks as the House and Senate have around 12 days in session before the funding deadline.
Republicans have accused Biden of profiting from his son Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings while he was vice president, from 2009 to 2017, but haven't provided evidence of their claims. Right-wing Republicans and former President Donald Trump have been clamoring for an impeachment inquiry for months and have threatened to remove McCarthy as speaker if he didn't move forward.
Hunter Biden is currently under a special counsel investigation involving tax and gun charges after a plea deal arrangement collapsed in July. He could face indictment for allegedly not paying taxes on $1.5 million in income between 2017 and 2018 and illegally owning a firearm while using drugs.
