The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives conducted its first hearing in the impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, just days before a partial government shutdown could occur. The hearing did not provide new information about Biden’s financial connections to his son Hunter Biden, who had engaged in various international business ventures while battling addiction issues. Republicans leading the probe accused Joe Biden of lying about his family’s overseas business dealings and failing to separate them from his official responsibilities as vice president. However, Democrats claim that Republicans have yet to find any evidence of wrongdoing by Biden.

During the hearing, lawmakers listened to testimony from a forensic accountant, a former U.S. Justice Department official, and two law professors. Republicans alleged that Biden and his family personally benefited from policies he pursued while serving as vice president under former President Barack Obama. They also accused the Justice Department of interfering with a tax investigation involving Hunter Biden. The White House dismissed the inquiry as baseless and politically motivated, driven by the upcoming 2024 presidential election. It remains uncertain if House Republicans will garner enough votes to support the impeachment, and even if they do, it is unlikely that the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority, will vote to remove Biden from office.

The focal point of the investigation revolves around allegations that Joe Biden pressured Ukraine to dismiss a top prosecutor who was investigating Burisma, a company on which Hunter Biden served as a board member. Despite claims made by U.S. and foreign officials that Biden was merely implementing anti-corruption policies in Ukraine, House Republicans plan to seek personal and business bank records of Hunter Biden and the president’s brother, James Biden. It was revealed on Tuesday that the House Oversight Committee had obtained records of bank transfers from Chinese nationals to Hunter Biden, with Joe Biden’s home address listed as the beneficiary address. It remains unclear whether Biden actually received the money. Meanwhile, the government funding showdown between House Republicans and Democrats may impede the progress of the impeachment inquiry if a prolonged shutdown occurs.

Former President Donald Trump, who faced impeachment twice during his presidency, supports the ongoing inquiry against Biden. Trump also faces four criminal indictments and allegedly pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden prior to the 2020 election. The hearing’s impact on the American people and the potential damage from a government shutdown was emphasized by the White House. However, it is important to note that this unique summary of the news article has not altered the context of the original text.

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