Critics have pointed out that Democrats’ anger over House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) unilaterally declaring an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden earlier this week may be a consequence of their own senior party members’ actions.
McCarthy made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon, stating, “Today, I am directing our House committees to initiate a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. I do not take this decision lightly. Irrespective of your party affiliation or voting preferences, these facts should be a concern for all Americans. The public deserves assurance that public offices are not subject to purchase.”
“I would encourage the president and his team to fully cooperate,” he added. “We will go wherever the evidence takes us.”
The move drew immediate pushback from Democrats, but Washington Examiner columnist Byron York pointed out that just a few years ago, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a similar decision and announcement of an impeachment inquiry into then-President Donald Trump.
“On October 15, 2019, three weeks after unilaterally declaring an impeachment inquiry, Speaker Pelosi, backed by Adam Schiff, insisted there was no requirement to hold an authorizing vote and she would not hold an authorizing vote,” he tweeted.
On October 15, 2019, three weeks after unilaterally declaring an impeachment inquiry, Speaker Pelosi, backed by Adam Schiff, insisted there was no requirement to hold an authorizing vote and she would not hold an authorizing vote. https://t.co/9VKvTycJDx
— Byron York (@ByronYork) September 14, 2023
