House Republicans are making significant strides towards formalizing an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, as members from swing districts indicate their support for the GOP investigation. According to a whip count compiled by POLITICO, a majority of Republicans representing districts that Biden carried in 2020 now either support or are likely to support the upcoming vote to sanction the impeachment inquiry.

While most members are falling in line, there is still some uncertainty within the GOP caucus. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) remains the sole Republican opposing the vote, expressing reservations about moving forward with the inquiry. Additionally, approximately half a dozen undecided Republicans have stated that they are either unwilling to disclose their stance or are still undecided.

However, GOP leaders acknowledge the importance of unity within their majority and are optimistic about getting the necessary votes to proceed with the Biden inquiry. A three-vote margin for error offers little room for setbacks or opposition. In September, then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy faced opposition from centrists and Biden-district members, causing a backtrack on a previous pledge to hold a vote on the GOP's impeachment inquiry.

The formalization of the investigation would provide Republicans with increased leverage in their pursuit of pertinent documents and witnesses. It represents a crucial step in the process, according to moderate Republicans, who argue that the lack of cooperation from Hunter Biden and other family members has compelled their hand. They believe that allowing the inquiry to proceed will help gather more information through subpoenaed witnesses and questioning.

As the investigation continues, no direct evidence has been found suggesting that President Biden exerted improper influence to benefit his family's businesses. Despite this, Republicans are determined to push forward, with Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) advocating for the inquiry to proceed, stating that it is essential to ask questions and gather evidence through subpoenaed witnesses.

The ongoing efforts to convince undecided Republicans have involved closed-door meetings and one-on-one floor conversations led by Republican leadership and investigative panel chairs. The goal is to emphasize that approving the Biden inquiry does not mark the end of the process but rather a crucial step towards uncovering the truth.

House Republicans are hopeful that they can limit internal opposition to Rep. Ken Buck, who has maintained his opposition to the inquiry citing a lack of new evidence. However, the momentum seems to be shifting in favor of pursuing the inquiry, even among Republicans in potentially vulnerable districts.

The vote to sanction the impeachment inquiry is scheduled to take place this week, with Republicans aiming to make a decision by mid-January on whether to escalate the inquiry into articles of impeachment against President Biden. While evidence of Hunter Biden capitalizing on the family name has been uncovered, the GOP has yet to establish a direct link between President Biden's actions and aiding his family's business deals.

In the midst of these deliberations, Republicans are facing a standoff with Hunter Biden, whom they have subpoenaed to appear for a closed-door deposition. Hunter Biden's lawyers have countered with an offer for public testimony, leading to a stalemate. Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are considering contempt proceedings if Hunter Biden fails to comply with the subpoena.

As the debate continues, the White House has released a memo highlighting the extensive records and interviews provided to Republicans, including tens of thousands of pages of financial records and additional records from the National Archives.

The upcoming vote on sanctioning the impeachment inquiry into President Biden will serve as a pivotal moment for House Republicans. Their united front and alignment behind the investigation could determine the direction and intensity of their efforts moving forward, as they seek to uncover any potential wrongdoing from the Biden administration and its dealings with the former vice president's family.