House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has indicated that an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden may be on the horizon. In an interview on Fox News, McCarthy stated that based on the information gathered so far, an impeachment inquiry would be a "natural step forward." He emphasized that such an inquiry would provide Congress with the legal power to obtain all the necessary information. McCarthy's comments come as House Republicans aim to expand their investigative powers and pursue allegations of financial misconduct involving Biden's son, Hunter.

McCarthy also mentioned the possibility of passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government running beyond September, ensuring that investigations into Hunter Biden can continue. This pitch is aimed at conservatives concerned that a bipartisan deal with Senate Democrats would not adequately address spending concerns. By implementing a stopgap measure, lawmakers would have more time to negotiate a longer-term budget deal and avoid mandatory spending cuts. However, McCarthy's position is delicate. While he faces pressure from members of his party who want to demonstrate support for former President Donald Trump's potential 2024 campaign, he risks jeopardizing the GOP's slim House majority.

Additionally, even if an impeachment vote were to pass in the House, it is unlikely that Biden would be removed from office by the Democrat-controlled Senate. As the House prepares to return to work in September, the need for a spending deal to prevent a partial federal closure looms closer. McCarthy stressed the detrimental impact a government shutdown would have on investigations and the American public. He acknowledged that conservatives, particularly those in the House Freedom Caucus, generally oppose short-term funding measures and advocate for greater spending cuts.

However, McCarthy believes that enacting a stopgap spending bill would strengthen their negotiating position with the White House and Senate Democrats. In summary, McCarthy's remarks suggest that the possibility of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden is gaining momentum. The speaker's focus on both investigative powers and budget negotiations reflects the balancing act he faces within the Republican party. While an impeachment vote in the House may be unlikely to result in Biden's removal from office, the potential inquiry underscores the ongoing political tensions in Washington.