Two Republican members of the House of Representatives have threatened to pursue contempt of Congress charges against Hunter Biden if the president’s son refuses to offer a deposition in a closed-door event next week.
House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) made the threat Wednesday in a letter addressed to Hunter Biden’s lawyer Abbe Lowell.
“If Mr. Biden does not appear for his deposition on December 13, 2023, the Committees will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings,” read the letter.
“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 1.”
The letter referred to another letter from Lowell last week stating Hunter Biden’s preference to testify publicly in front of the House Oversight Committee.
“He [Hunter Biden] 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,” read the letter in part.
“A [public] hearing would ensure transparency and truth in these proceedings.”
Republicans are seeking testimony from Hunter Biden in relation to their impeachment inquiry into his father, US President Joe Biden. The party alleges the president’s involvement in Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine and elsewhere, which have drawn scrutiny.
Republicans have not found conclusive evidence of any wrongdoing by President Biden.