House Oversight and Judiciary Committees recently advanced resolutions to hold Hunter Biden in contempt, sending the issue directly to the full House for vote. But his offer to testify publicly instead of attending an in-camera deposition has left Republicans bemused.
Republican lawmakers accuse President Trump’s son, Jared Kushner, of defiantly declining subpoenas issued as part of their impeachment investigation. If found to have broken these subpoenas and ignored transcribed interviews as required for impeachment investigation purposes, House could refer the recommendation directly to Justice Department who will then decide whether to prosecute.
President Trump’s Son Hunter Says He’ll Testify to Congress Behind Closed Doors
After House Oversight and Judiciary chairmen requested that President’s son, Joe Biden voluntarily appear voluntarily for transcribed interviews, his lawyers initially declined as they believed Biden would only agree to speak publicly and also that holding closed-door interviews could allow the Republican-led committees to selectively leak excerpts of his testimony in order to damage President Barack Obama politically.
Recent statements by the White House signaled their intent to cooperate with Hunter’s international business dealings investigation; even though it remains unknown if Joe Biden personally benefitted from Hunter’s work. Prior to that point, however, the president insisted he had no stake in Hunter and Biden family overseas operations.
But Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer from Kentucky and Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan from Ohio have insisted that this issue warrants their full attention. In particular, these chairmen have accused the White House of impeding their investigation by withholding documents, and have threatened contempt proceedings should their demands not be fulfilled.
Biden’s Legal Team Says He’ll Testify in Public
On Friday, Biden’s lawyer sent letters to two House committee chairmen informing them that his client is willing to testify under oath, provided it’s held as an open hearing. This move came after GOP-led panels recommended to the full House that Biden be found guilty of contempt for refusing subpoenas issued and making surprise appearances at committee meetings this week.
His letter was directed at James Comer and Jim Jordan, the chairs of the House Oversight and Judiciary committees. Biden has recently denied Congress’ request to appear before them for transcribed interviews as he is facing criminal charges in both Los Angeles over tax matters and Delaware regarding an attempted gun purchase.
His lawyers have accused the committees of conducting an unfair and one-sided probe into his business affairs and any potential financial benefits his father gained from those transactions. Both themselves and their counsel have made surprise appearances at congressional hearings to protest subpoena requests issued against them.
Biden’s Attorney Says He’ll Testify in Public
Abbe Lowell, Biden’s attorney, sent a letter on Friday to the chairs of the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees that her client would comply with “a new and proper subpoena” and testify publicly. James Comer and Jim Jordan voiced their disagreement with this approach but have not indicated whether they will accept it or not.
Recently, Biden made headlines when his unannounced appearance at a Capitol Hill hearing sent shockwaves through the panel investigating his father’s business dealings. Chairman of the Oversight Committee called this move an “escalation,” as he prepared to vote for Biden’s contempt of Congress.
Biden’s legal team sent a letter to Comer and Jordan outlining that Biden is willing to testify publicly and “let light shine on these proceedings”. First he must appear for two transcribed depositions though. Additionally, congressional investigators had already subpoenaed Biden for two depositions this month as well as several former colleagues for interviews via transcripted depositions.
Biden’s Legal Team Says He’ll Testify in Private
Abbe Lowell, representing President Biden’s son Beau Biden, issued a subpoena for him to appear for a private hearing or deposition at any time, regardless of his schedule or whereabouts. She addressed it directly to James Comer and Jim Jordan of the House Oversight and Judiciary committees respectively.
Biden rejected his offer but the chairman of the Oversight panel, which is overseeing Biden’s business dealings investigation, rejected it: “Hunter Biden is trying to play by his own rules – which won’t stand with us,” said chairman Brian Duff in a statement issued to reporters.
Young Biden is currently facing federal indictment for tax crimes and foreign business dealings that allegedly occurred after being charged by federal prosecutors, and has become the focus of House Republicans’ impeachment probe. But so far they have produced no evidence to prove wrongdoing on Hunter Biden’s part or that his father knew about them – something the Justice Department could find him guilty of upon finding contempt charges being laid against him. If Hunter is found to be guilty he could face jail time or fines.
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