House Republicans have been investigating the president for months without evidence that he committed high crimes and misdemeanors. A vote to formalize that work doesn’t mean they are ready to charge him.
Republicans are pushing forward with a formal investigation even though their yearlong scrutiny of the president and his family has turned up no proof of high crimes or misdemeanors.
The House vote to authorize a formal investigation reflects a political shift among Republicans and the success of a push by G.O.P. allies of former President Donald J. Trump.