House Oversight and Judiciary Committee chairs James Comer and Jim Jordan announced Thursday that Biden has agreed to appear for a deposition, likely precluding any further action by Republicans to hold him in contempt for failing to appear for previous subpoenas behind closed doors.
Hunter Biden criticized the investigations as an unfair political attack and stated he would only agree to testify publicly.
President’s Son Hunter Reluctantly Agrees to Testify
After months of waffling, President Donald Trump’s son has agreed to testify before the House committee overseeing an impeachment investigation into his business dealings. Committee co-chairmen James Comer and Jim Jordan previously threatened contempt charges should he fail to appear for questioning.
Hunter Biden has strongly condemned the investigation as an improper “fishing expedition,” lacking sufficient evidence for an impeachment investigation. Although he previously refused to appear before House Oversight Committee hearings, on Tuesday he issued a statement offering to answer any inquiries on April 8.
The panel plans on interviewing gallerist Mervyn Yan, Biden family associate Rob Walker and Biden fundraiser Joey Langston over the coming weeks; questions could include whether any family members might have information regarding his finances. It is expected to vote Wednesday to formalize its inquiry – something Republicans claim will give them stronger legal standing when subpoenaing witnesses later on.
Confirmation of Deposition Date
House Republicans had hoped Hunter Biden would appear before Congress and testify about his foreign business dealings as part of an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden for possible corruption charges. Both House Oversight and Judiciary Committees are investigating allegations that Joe Biden traded influence while his son served as Vice President.
Refusing to take part in a closed-door deposition and demanding instead a public hearing had set him up for further legal action, including possible contempt of Congress resolutions. But his agreement to testify may stave off such proceedings that could require his arrest if he fails to appear for questioning.
Deponents may be examined at any time and place with reasonable diligence by anyone authorized by subpoena, provided both parties involved have met in writing to arrange an appropriate time and place for examination. When served with notice of deposition, deponents are obliged to provide any documents or other requested information as quickly as possible.
Contempt Resolutions Halted
After months of rising tensions, presidential son Hunter Biden agreed to give a closed-door deposition on February 28 to House investigators probing his overseas business activities and potential influence peddling while his father served as vice president. This step sets up a possible final showdown where two House committees Oversight and Judiciary could vote to hold him in contempt of Congress.
But following a meeting between congressional investigators and Biden’s attorneys, Republican panel chairmen James Comer and Jim Jordan decided to put off contempt resolutions until further discussion with Biden’s legal representatives is completed. They indicate they are working with his legal representatives towards finding an acceptable date that works for all sides.
The panel’s investigation has focused heavily on Joe Biden Jr’s foreign business dealings, yet has failed to uncover evidence directly implicating Joe in any wrongdoing related to them. Joe has denied any involvement with his son’s work while first son has instead issued public statements in defense of family business interests.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden’s son and House Republicans who had been investigating his international business dealings in an effort to link them with those of his father have come to an agreement, ending months of back-and-forth as well as preventing any possible vote to hold him in contempt of Congress.
Jim Jordan and James Comer, two Republican chairmen of investigative committees, announced on Feb. 28 they plan to conduct an eight-hour closed deposition with Hunter Biden for their investigation and release a transcript as soon as it’s done.
The decision comes after months of defiance by the first son, who refused to comply with subpoenas from committees for private interviews. Instead, his lawyers claim a public hearing will provide more accountability and reduce leaks of fabricated or falsified testimony by lawmakers. NBC News reached out to their representation for comment on their client.
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