In a significant development, House Republicans are intensifying their scrutiny into whether President Biden played a role in his son Hunter Biden’s refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas, marking what they assert could be grounds for an impeachable offense.
The House Oversight Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and House Ways & Means Committee are jointly investigating the matter, aiming to determine if there are sufficient grounds to draft articles of impeachment against President Biden. This formalized inquiry follows the White House’s acknowledgment that the President was aware in advance of Hunter Biden’s decision to defy two congressional subpoenas.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, both Republicans, penned a letter to White House Counsel Edward Siskel, notifying him of this expanded area of investigation. The Republicans contend that the President’s potential involvement in his son’s actions could constitute a conspiracy to obstruct Congress.
According to reports from Fox News, the subpoenas in question were issued for Hunter Biden’s deposition, with both committees planning to hold the proceedings simultaneously. Despite the congressional directives, Hunter Biden defied the subpoenas and instead appeared on Capitol Hill, delivering a public statement.
The Republicans expressed concern over White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s statement that President Biden was “certainly familiar with what his son was going to say” during the public statement. This statement, according to the Republicans, suggests that the President had advanced knowledge of Hunter Biden’s decision to defy congressional subpoenas.
Citing relevant sections of the criminal code, the chairmen emphasized the illegality of corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct, or impede the due exercise of congressional power. They argued that the evidence collected indicates improper inclusion of the President in Hunter Biden’s business endeavors and false claims about the President’s knowledge and involvement in these schemes.
The Republicans demanded all documents and communications related to Hunter Biden’s deposition, including those involving the law firm Winston & Strawn LLP and Kevin Morris. Additionally, they sought documents related to the President’s statement about his family’s business associates on December 6. The White House has until January 10 to produce the requested information.
