"Republicans Grapple with McCarthy's Impeachment Fallout and Political Turmoil"

Republicans, including some lawmakers, are concerned that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's decision to open an impeachment inquiry on President Joe Biden may lead to a full vote to impeach the president. Hard-right lawmakers who have been threatening to tank federal spending bills and end McCarthy's speakership have long clamored for Biden's impeachment. McCarthy's survival as speaker has relied on making political bargains and concessions to appease the extreme wing of his conference. The impeachment announcement is seen by some as a "protection payment to the mob" to maintain McCarthy's position. However, there are doubts that Republicans will follow through with an impeachment vote or Senate trial, and the impeachment effort may backfire politically for McCarthy.