(DCWatchdog.com) – In a decisive preemptive strike, House Republicans have shown they are dead serious about interrogating Hunter Biden in their probe into President Joe Biden’s family, with a key lawmaker vowing the infamous first son would be held in contempt of Congress if he fails to testify next week.
On Wednesday, the House GOP warned Hunter Biden’s legal team sternly to preclude the latter’s failure to comply with a subpoena requiring his appearance next week.
This subpoena is part of a congressional inquiry into his international business dealings.
Hunter’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, had urged House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) earlier on Wednesday to arrange a public hearing with Hunter on December 13.
This request directly opposed the Committee’s requirement for a private deposition.
Comer, in his response to Lowell, emphasized the compulsory nature of the subpoena, as cited by The New York Post.
“Contrary to the assertions in your letter, there is no ‘choice’ for Mr. Biden to make; the subpoenas compel him to appear for a deposition on December 13,” Comer wrote.
The letter, which The Post obtained a copy of, included a clear warning.
“If Mr. Biden does not appear for his deposition on December 13, 2023, the Committees will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings,” the Republican lawmaker added.
Lowell refuted that Hunter, aged 53, was seeking preferential treatment by requesting a public hearing instead of a private deposition.
He pointed out that Comer had suggested the “choice” was Hunter’s to make, citing statements made on “The Benny Show,” Newsmax, and a cover letter to Hunter.
“Mr. Biden has offered to appear at a hearing on the December 13, 2023, date you have reserved, or another date this month. He is making this choice because the Committee has demonstrated time and again it uses closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort, the facts and misinform the American public — a hearing would ensure transparency and truth in these proceedings,” Lowell stated in a letter obtained by The Messenger.
Comer had previously dismissed Lowell’s request for a public hearing, expecting “full cooperation” with the initial subpoena.
“That won’t stand with House Republicans. Our lawfully issued subpoena to Hunter Biden requires him to appear for a deposition on December 13,” he stated last week.
