In a significant turn of events, Hunter Biden, the son of U.S. President Joe Biden, has expressed his willingness to testify in either a public hearing or a deposition, contingent upon the issuance of a new subpoena by House Republicans. This statement comes in response to the House Oversight Committee and House Judiciary Committee’s recent efforts to hold Biden in contempt for his failure to respond to a prior request to testify.
The offer was conveyed through a letter addressed to the committee chairs, just two days after Hunter Biden made an unexpected appearance during one of the hearings. The House Republicans had initially sought a closed-door deposition through a subpoena, as part of their impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Alleging improper financial gains from policy decisions during Joe Biden’s vice-presidency, the Biden family denies any wrongdoing.
Hunter Biden had declined the closed-door interview, proposing instead to answer questions in a public hearing. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, contended that the initial subpoena was invalid, as it was issued before the House conducted a full vote authorizing the impeachment inquiry.
Lowell’s letter stated, “If you issue a new proper subpoena, now that there is a duly authorized impeachment inquiry, Mr. Biden will comply for a hearing or deposition.”
Committee chairs James Comer and Jim Jordan affirmed their commitment to proceeding with the contempt resolutions until Hunter Biden confirms a deposition date. However, they issued a stern warning against any further delays or stunts.
“While we will work to schedule a deposition date, we will not tolerate any additional stunts or delay from Hunter Biden,” read their joint statement, leaving open the question of whether a new subpoena would be issued.
The House is set to advance the contempt resolution next week, adding to the legal challenges facing Hunter Biden, who is currently entangled in multiple legal disputes, including tax charges in California and a separate case in Delaware related to false statements about his drug use during a gun purchase.
This development underscores the ongoing legal and political complexities surrounding Hunter Biden, as he navigates both congressional scrutiny and legal battles on various fronts.
