WASHINGTON, DC – Tensions flared during President Biden’s impeachment hearing on Wednesday, March 20, as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) faced criticism for her assertion that “RICO is not a crime.”
The fiery exchange unfolded as Ocasio-Cortez aimed to challenge GOP narratives regarding the Biden family’s purported involvement in criminal activities. Directing her question towards Tony Bobulinski, a former business associate of Hunter Biden, Ocasio-Cortez inquired if he had witnessed President Biden commit any criminal acts. In response, Bobulinski referenced several legal statutes, including RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), corruption statutes, and the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
“How much time do I have to go through it?” Bobulinski retorted, prompting Ocasio-Cortez to ask for specifics regarding the alleged crime.
“You asked me to answer the question. I answered the question. RICO, you’re obviously not familiar with. Corruption statutes. FARA,” Bobulinski stated.
“Excuse me sir, RICO is not a crime. It is a category,” Ocasio-Cortez countered, her tone drawing criticism for its perceived condescension.
This remark ignited a heated debate, with Bobulinski asserting that RICO is indeed a statute that can lead to criminal charges. “Oh no, it’s a category of crime that you are then charged with,” Bobulinski clarified, highlighting the legal complexities of the issue.
The exchange continued, with Bobulinski pointing out the presence of numerous lawyers in the committee room and challenging them to define the statute. Following the contentious interaction, Ocasio-Cortez redirected the focus of the hearing, criticizing the impeachment inquiry as another attempt by Republicans to undermine the Biden administration.
“Okay sir, I reclaim my time,” she stated, expressing frustration with what she perceived as a partisan effort to discredit the Biden administration. She argued that the resolution for the probe lacked sufficient evidence of “high crimes or misdemeanors.”
Meanwhile, RICO, or the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, targets various forms of dishonest business activities and organized crime, including money laundering. The act gained significant attention last August when former President Donald Trump and several of his associates faced charges in a racketeering case linked to alleged election tampering in Georgia.
The clash underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding the impeachment proceedings and highlights the complexities of legal terminology in high-stakes political debates.
