House Republicans are preparing to intensify their scrutiny of Hunter Biden by issuing a new set of subpoenas compelling him to appear for a closed-door deposition. This move comes in the wake of Biden’s recent agreement to testify under these conditions. The decision was formalized in a letter from House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan to Abbe Lowell, Biden’s defense counsel.
The letter from Comer and Jordan indicated a readiness to accommodate Biden’s willingness to testify, albeit under a new set of subpoenas. They clarified that this decision doesn’t imply any merit in the assertions made in Lowell’s January 12 letter. Instead, their focus is on securing Biden’s testimony as quickly as possible.
Lowell had previously communicated to the chairmen that Biden would agree to a deposition if new subpoenas were issued, following the House Republicans’ formal vote authorizing the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. This inquiry, led by Comer, Jordan, and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, began informally in September.
The response from Comer and Jordan to Lowell’s letter initially reiterated their stance on holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress. This was due to his failure to attend a scheduled deposition on December 13. They stated that the process to declare him in contempt would proceed until Biden confirmed a date for his deposition.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced plans for a floor vote to hold Biden in contempt, with the potential consequences including a fine of up to $100,000 and a maximum of one year in prison. This action falls under criminal contempt of Congress and can be referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution.
Adding to the drama, Hunter Biden made a surprise appearance at a press conference on Capitol Hill, where he strongly denied any financial involvement of his father in his various business ventures. His presence at a recent House Oversight Committee hearing further escalated tensions, especially when directly confronted by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace.
Biden’s legal challenges also continue, as he recently pleaded not guilty to nine federal tax charges in Los Angeles, California. This ongoing saga underscores the complex and contentious political climate surrounding the Biden family and the House Republicans’ investigative efforts.
