(DCWatchdog.com) – The political drama intensified as two key House Republican leaders announced their decision to initiate contempt proceedings against Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.
This move from James Comer (R-KY) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) comes in the wake of Hunter’s failure to appear for a deposition, despite being subpoenaed by the committee.
In an unexpected turn, Hunter Biden chose to address the media through a press conference on the Capitol lawn, directly in front of the Senate. During this conference, he reiterated his willingness to appear before the committee, but only under the condition that his testimony be public.
This development has further fueled the GOP’s motivation to proceed with its impeachment inquiry. The House is poised to initiate this inquiry with a vote set for Wednesday night.
Comer and Jordan, in a joint statement, emphasized their commitment to impartiality and the rule of law, stating, “Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings. We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden.”
They further highlighted the urgency and significance of the upcoming vote: “Today, the House will vote on an impeachment inquiry resolution to strengthen our legal case in the courts as we face obstruction from the White House and witnesses. Today’s obstruction by Hunter Biden reinforces the need for a formal vote.”
The Republicans’ interest in speaking with Hunter Biden revolves around his financial dealings and a separate Justice Department investigation into his alleged failure to pay taxes.
In his press conference, Hunter Biden responded to years of scrutiny, stating, “For six years, I have been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine, shouting, ‘Where’s Hunter?’ Well, here’s my answer: I am here.” He expressed his readiness to testify publicly, accusing Republicans of avoiding an open process that would expose their inquiry’s lack of foundation.
Contempt proceedings necessitate a committee vote, after which the resolution is presented to the full House for a vote. The Department of Justice then decides whether to pursue a case.
Interestingly, the Department of Justice has recently engaged in two out of four contempt cases referred by the House after people ignored subpoenas from the now-dissolved Jan. 6 committee.
Jim Jordan, who was subpoenaed by the Jan. 6 committee, defended his own response to a subpoena, stating he replied with a letter about the deposition but did not comply with the scheduled appearance.
Comer had previously indicated willingness to hear Hunter Biden’s public testimony, but this offer came prior to the formal subpoena demanding a closed-door deposition.
Meanwhile, Jamie Raskin (D-MD), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, criticized Comer and Jordan for not accepting Hunter Biden’s offer for a public deposition. Raskin suggested that the GOP leaders preferred a private setting to control the narrative and cherry-pick evidence.
Raskin also pointed out that Hunter Biden is already facing legal challenges, including tax charges in California, and urged allowing the criminal justice process to take its course.
