The US House of Representatives has voted to authorize an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden over his alleged involvement in the business dealings of his son, Hunter.

The Republican-controlled House voted on Wednesday to formally authorize its ongoing impeachment inquiry against the president.

Republican lawmakers allege that Biden was involved in improprieties when he was vice president that were linked to his son's business dealings in Ukraine and other countries.

Republican congressional leaders said in a statement, "The President and White House have repeatedly misled the public," adding that "the American people deserve answers."

The impeachment authorization will likely help Republicans to step up their probe of Biden. But it is unclear whether their efforts will lead to an impeachment as some party members have concerns about a lack of evidence.

Biden issued a statement criticizing the House Republicans. He said, "they are focused on attacking me with lies," and "are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt."

Hunter Biden told reporters ahead of Wednesday's vote that his father was not financially involved in his business. He said some Republican lawmakers have tried to dehumanize him to embarrass and damage his father.