In a surprising twist, Senate Republicans are far from fretting over the House’s bombshell impeachment inquiry targeting President Joe Biden. Instead, they view Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s audacious announcement as a potential lifeline to address their most pressing concern: averting a looming government shutdown on September 30. In a shrewd maneuver, McCarthy may have devised a strategy to pacify conservatives within his ranks, who have hinted at a willingness to temporarily shutter the government should their demands go unmet.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) expressed this sentiment, stating, “It sounds like that’s the deal in order to start moving some of these [spending] bills. I think that will help.” She acknowledged that this inquiry is fundamentally House business but stressed the need for unity in negotiations. Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) echoed her views, suggesting that it might be part of a broader strategy to ensure compliance on budgetary matters.
While Senate Republicans technically lack the power to halt a House impeachment inquiry, they aren’t actively seeking to undermine their colleagues now that it’s officially underway. This shift is notable, considering months of robust criticism directed at impeachment efforts. When it comes to an actual Biden impeachment, key figures such as Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Mitt Romney remain undecided. The House GOP appears more focused on unlocking additional investigative tools to probe Hunter Biden’s alleged business connections with his father, an allegation vehemently denied by the president.
Republican senators do agree that there’s a possibility the investigation could fall short, avoiding an actual impeachment vote. However, this notion could be wishful thinking, as it would also spare Republican senators from yet another grueling impeachment trial.
Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), a prominent skeptic of impeaching Biden, remarked, “The president indicated that he was unaware of his son’s business dealings. But then we find that he had phone calls, where he was involved in conversation which included those business partners. Questions are legitimately raised, and apparently Speaker McCarthy wants to look into them.”
While more than ten GOP senators were interviewed on this matter, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) appeared perplexed by the inquiry, stating, “I don’t know where they’re going with this. I don’t know what the evidence is.” Despite her bafflement, most Senate Republicans seem to lean towards acceptance rather than resistance. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) acknowledged McCarthy’s challenging position, stating, “He’s under a lot of pressure over there.” Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) emphasized the importance of thorough preparation if the House GOP decides to proceed down this path.
Conservative Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) pointed out that the concerns raised might indeed warrant an inquiry. Currently, the burden rests with the House, offering Senate Republicans a momentary respite. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell abstained from offering advice to Speaker McCarthy, quipping, “I don’t think the Speaker McCarthy needs any advice from the Senate on how to run the House.”
