TL/DR –
Hunter Biden made a surprise appearance at a Capitol Hill hearing as Republicans began the process of holding him in criminal contempt of Congress for not complying with a congressional subpoena to sit for a closed-door deposition last month. The subpoena is related to an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, with unproven claims that the president was involved in or financially benefited from his son’s foreign business dealings. If the contempt resolution passes out of committee, it will be referred to the full House for a contempt vote, and if successful, the Department of Justice will determine whether to prosecute Hunter Biden for evading a congressional subpoena.
Hunter Biden Makes Unexpected Appearance at Capitol Hill Hearing
Hunter Biden made a surprise appearance at a Capitol Hill hearing on Wednesday. House Republicans were initiating the process of holding himin criminal contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a congressional subpoena to attend a private deposition.
The House Oversight and Judiciary committees, which subpoenaed Biden for his testimony in President Joe Biden’s impeachment inquiry, are separately considering the contempt resolution. Biden made a brief appearance during the hearing, causing a stir both inside and outside the committee room.
The President’s son arrived in the committee room for approximately 10 minutes before departing. GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina accused Biden of acting as the epitome of White privilege and ignoring the congressional subpoena.
The core allegations of the Republican-led investigation lie inunproven claims that President Biden was involved in or financially benefited from his son’s foreign business dealings. The approach towards the subpoena by Biden mirrors his actions last month when he held a news conference outside the Capitol, stating he would only testify in public.
In response to Biden’s failure to appear for his private deposition, House Oversight Chair James Comer and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan announced the initiation of contempt proceedings. Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated they had six times offered to engage with House Republicans on Oversight, accusing them of caring little for the truth.
The appearance of Hunter Biden is part of a more aggressive strategy adopted by his legal team. They are aware that despite a possible contempt vote next week, there are few ways to enforce a punishment due to recent charges of criminal tax and gun offences, making it easier for Biden to avoid congressional testimony.
The tumult in the Oversight hearing continued with GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia speaking, causing Biden and his attorneys to leave the room. GOP Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona admonished his colleagues, asking them not to behave like nimrods.
Democrats believe that there is a discrepancy in the Republicans’ actions, pointing out those who have evaded congressional subpoenas, including Jordan, yet are trying to hold Biden in contempt. They accuse the Republicans of obstructing their own investigation by refusing Biden’s offer to appear for a public hearing.
The contempt proceedings against Biden are part of a long process, and it is uncertain when it will reach the floor or how quickly the referral would move through the Justice Department. Hunter Biden is expected to be in Los Angeles on Thursday facing nine criminal charges in federal court relating to a tax case.
Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Ian Sams dismissed the baseless attacks against the president’s family and called on Republican lawmakers to focus on Congress’ primary duties rather than political stunts.
Amid the ongoing investigation into the Bidens, House Republicans are also targeting DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkasas the border crisis becomes a significant campaign issue. Republicans believe there is strong evidence for both investigations, but the process of pursuing two impeachments at once remains to be seen.
This story and headline have been updated to reflect additional developments.
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