House Republicans are steadfast in their pursuit of contempt of Congress charges against Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden. Despite Hunter Biden’s recent reversal on his decision to sit for a closed-door deposition, House Oversight and Judiciary Chairs James Comer (R-Ky.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are determined to hold him accountable.
The conflict reached a boiling point when Hunter Biden initially defied two subpoenas to appear for a closed-door deposition, demanding instead a public deposition. His refusal prompted the House panels to advance contempt charges during a tumultuous hearing. However, in a surprising turn of events, Hunter Biden reversed his stance and agreed
to comply with a subpoena for a closed-door deposition. Despite this about-face, Comer and Jordan have made it clear that they will not back down until a deposition date is confirmed, emphasizing that they will not tolerate further delays or stunts from Hunter Biden.
The House GOP’s investigation into the Biden family’s business deals, particularly the involvement of Hunter Biden, the president, and his uncle James Biden, has been a focal point of their agenda. The subpoenas, which Hunter Biden initially denounced as part of a scheme to twist his words, are a crucial element in this investigation. Hunter Biden’s unexpected appearance at the contempt hearing, only to quickly leave, added fuel to the fire, attracting further scrutiny from GOP members.
Comer and Jordan have been vocal in their criticism of Hunter Biden’s actions, accusing him of pulling stunts and defying duly issued subpoenas. Their joint statement underscored their commitment to holding him in contempt of Congress until he confirms a date for a private deposition. The statement reflects a broader sentiment within the GOP that Hunter Biden, and by extension, the Biden family, should not receive special treatment and must adhere to the same legal obligations as others.
The House committees are investigating Hunter Biden and his uncle amid allegations of a vast influence-peddling scheme, with accusations that President Joe Biden has profited from these dealings. These allegations, although unproven, have been a significant driving force behind the GOP’s pursuit of Hunter Biden.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise’s announcement of a floor vote next week to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress further illustrates the GOP’s resolve in this matter. The move to a floor vote signifies the seriousness with which House Republicans are approaching the investigation, sending a clear message that defiance of subpoenas will not be tolerated.
Hunter Biden’s legal challenges extend beyond the congressional investigation, as he recently pleaded not guilty to nine federal tax charges in a separate case in California. These charges allege a scheme to avoid paying over $1 million in taxes, adding another layer to the complex legal and political challenges facing the president’s son.
Hunter Biden’s crimes and his connections to possible crimes with President Biden are coming under slowly increasing scrutiny, likely timed to affect the election. It is unlikely that President Biden will ever face criminal charges, but perhaps getting him unelected will be enough.