“Unfortunately, you have given no clear indication as to how your impeachment inquiry will proceed including whether key historical precedents or basic standards of due process will be observed. In addition, the swiftness and recklessness with which you have proceeded has already resulted in committee chairs attempting to limit minority participation in scheduled interviews, calling into question the integrity of such an inquiry. Below are several questions to which I request a public response before the House of Representatives moves forward: Do you intend to hold a vote of the full House authorizing your impeachment inquiry? [A bunch of other stupid questions] By answering ‘no’ to any of the above, you would be acting in direct contradiction to all modern impeachment inquiries of a sitting president. By answering ‘no’ to any of the above, you would be denying the President the bare minimum rights granted to his predecessors. By answering ‘no’ to any of the above, you would create a process completely devoid of any merit or legitimacy” – Then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in a letter to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on October 3, 2019.
“To open an impeachment inquiry is a serious matter, and House Republicans would not take it lightly or use it for political purposes. The American people deserve to be heard on this matter through their elected representatives. That’s why, if we move forward with an impeachment inquiry, it would occur through a vote on the floor of the People’s House and not through a declaration by one person” – House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a Breitbart interview on September 1, 2023.
“I am directing our House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Over the past several months, House Republicans have uncovered serious and credible allegations into President Biden’s conduct—a culture of corruption” – House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Twitter, September 12, 2023. No mention of a floor vote to formally launch the inquiry.