House GOP will move forward in bid to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress

In light of Hunter Biden's prior refusal to testify before lawmakers regarding his business dealings in accordance with a duly authorized subpoena, House Republicans will move forward with contempt of Congress proceedings. 

"Hunter Biden has already defied two valid, lawful subpoenas," said a joint statement from House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), as Fox News reported.

"For now, the House of Representatives will move forward with holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress until such time that Hunter Biden confirms a date to appear for a private deposition in accordance with his legal obligation," the statement indicated.

Committee Actions

This week, a joint resolution was voted by the House Judiciary and Committee on Oversight and Accountability, urging the House of Representatives to find Biden in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a valid subpoena.

"House Republicans have been resolute in demanding Hunter Biden sit for a deposition in the ongoing impeachment inquiry," the joint statement said.

"While we are heartened that Hunter Biden now says he will comply with a subpoena, make no mistake: Hunter Biden has already defied two valid, lawful subpoenas," the statement went on.

"Instead of appearing for his deposition on December 13, 2023, Hunter Biden appeared on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol where he made a public statement without taking any questions. Then this week at the Oversight Committee’s markup of his contempt resolution, Hunter Biden pulled another stunt as he continued to defy duly issued subpoenas," the joint communication added.

President Biden's son, Hunter, has denied ever having had any financial stake in his business ventures, such as his partnerships with Chinese companies or the Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma Holdings.

When asked about the possibility of a fresh subpoena being issued as part of the "duly authorized impeachment inquiry," Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, assured the House Oversight and House Judiciary Committees on Friday that the first son "will comply for a hearing or deposition."

Hunter Biden volunteered to appear in public instead of appearing for his compelled deposition on Dec. 13. He was denied preferential treatment by Comer and Jordan, who cited the scores of other witnesses allied with former President Donald Trump who had been strong-armed into giving testimony in interviews and depositions. Hunter Biden's deposition transcript, should he comply with a subpoena for closed-door testimony, will be made public, according to Comer and Jordan.

White House Response

Outside the Capitol back in December, Hunter Biden made a public speech while ignoring the subpoena. He previously stated that Joe Biden "was not financially involved in my business."

Karine Jean-Pierre, the press secretary for the White House, told reporters that president and first lady were "proud" of their son for "continuing to reconstruct his life."

The president was unaware of his son's financial operations, according to repeated claims from the White House.

Although they are willing to try to set up a deposition date, Comer and Jordan have stated that they will not "tolerate any additional stunts or delay" from the younger Biden.

"The American people will not tolerate, and the House will not provide, special treatment for the Biden family," they said.