Let’s cut through the noise: The House impeachment inquiry has taken center stage on the Hill, but don’t expect the spectacle of hearings and dramatic public witness testimonies anytime soon. Hunter Biden won’t be parading into Longworth next week.
The announcement of the inquiry’s launch signals the beginning of what’s likely to be a slow-burning process—an unfolding drama that Republicans anticipate will eventually ignite with fireworks and compelling public evidence.
So, what’s the immediate impact? Not much, according to many centrist Republicans who shrugged off the idea that impeachment would overshadow the pressing need to fund the government.
“I’m all for launching an inquiry, but let’s be honest, this inquiry doesn’t change much. It’s business as usual, really,” remarked Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.). “The Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways and Means committees have been digging into this for months. They’ll keep investigating, issuing subpoenas, and reviewing documents, just as they have been.”
Speaker Kevin McCarthy himself is signaling that the focus remains on spending bills, dedicating the morning GOP conference meeting to this topic, while reserving a separate impeachment-focused meeting for Thursday.
Who’s going to be in the spotlight? The same trio of GOP committee chairs who have been leading the charge in investigating the Biden administration and family will continue to play starring roles in this unfolding impeachment saga:
– House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.)
– House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)
– House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) (His committee will spearhead efforts to obtain confidential tax information from the IRS.)
As the impeachment narrative unfolds, expect these key players to make their moves and keep the Hill buzzing with intrigue.
