Republicans split on whether voters will punish them for impeachment inquiry into Biden

The House voted this week to authorize an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, but Republicans are divided on whether the move will help or hurt them in the 2024 elections.

On Wednesday, an authorization of the impeachment inquiry passed the House along party lines by a vote of 221 to 212.

BIDEN OFFICIALLY A TARGET OF HOUSE IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY AFTER VOTE

With an already razor-thin House majority, Republicans face a difficult election in 2024, especially after a Congress marked by internal feuds, the removal of a speaker, and a near-government shutdown.

When asked if the impeachment inquiry will make things worse for Republicans’ electoral chances, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) said, “No, I don’t.”

“In fact, I think if we don’t go down these impeachment routes, a huge part of America is going to just say, you know, we’re not supporting Republicans anymore.”

Nearly half of voters, 49%, are supportive of the inquiry, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist National poll. This number includes 24% of Democrats. But practically the same amount, 48%, are not in favor of the move, including 20% of those who identify as Republicans. However, disapproval of the impeachment inquiry has declined slightly since October, a somewhat positive sign for Republicans.

One vulnerable Republican, Rep. David Valadao (R-CA), emphasized to Politico that he was simply voting for an investigation and not to impeach the president. Valadao is one of two Republicans remaining who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump.

According to him, “we’ll find out” if his constituents see the difference between his vote to authorize the inquiry into Biden and a vote to impeach.

“I’ve voted on the Trump one. I voted on the expulsion of Santos. I’ve taken a pretty bipartisan approach on this one,” he said. “When they’re wrong, they’re wrong — call it.”

Another vulnerable Republican, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), acknowledged ample evidence doesn’t yet exist to impeach the president.

“To my constituents, I promise to approach this inquiry with the seriousness it demands, keeping in mind the core American value that someone is always innocent until proven guilty,” he said. “And you will always have my word that I’ll put what’s right for our country before what’s right for my party.”

Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) argued that “we have an obligation to not turn a blind eye to this stuff,” noting the White House will not cooperate without an inquiry. The lawmaker cast the GOP’s vote as due diligence and fact-finding.

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In response to the inquiry, Biden said in a statement, “Unfortunately, House Republicans are not joining me” in focusing on the nation’s priorities. “Instead of doing anything to help make Americans’ lives better, they are focused on attacking me with lies. Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts.”

“The American people deserve better,” Biden added. “I know what I am going to remain focused on. I would invite Republicans in Congress to join me.”