Staff Reports
In a recent development that has drawn the attention of House Republicans, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is potentially on the brink of yet another legal entanglement, this time prompted by Congress. Reps. James Comer and Jim Jordan, who chair the House Oversight Committee and House Judiciary Committee respectively, have issued a letter to Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, warning of the possibility of holding him in contempt of Congress.
The crux of the matter revolves around the nature of Hunter Biden's prospective testimony in the corruption probe involving the Biden family. Lowell advocates for an open hearing, while the committee prefers an initial closed-door deposition followed by a public hearing. Lowell is apprehensive that selective release of Biden's statements could occur if he testifies privately, emphasizing that a public hearing would guarantee transparency and accuracy in the proceedings.
Hunter Biden attorney: "Our client will get right to it by agreeing to answer any pertinent and relevant question you or your colleagues might have, but — rather than subscribing to your cloaked, one-sided process — he will appear at a public…hearing” https://t.co/YltcDOLBKk pic.twitter.com/1Pp8MdEfr4
— Matt Viser (@mviser) November 28, 2023
Despite Lowell's stance, Comer and Jordan stand firm on their position. They contend that Biden does not have the prerogative to dictate the format of his testimony. In their letter to Lowell, they assert that failure to appear for the scheduled deposition on December 13 will result in the initiation of contempt of Congress proceedings.
Historically, securing criminal convictions against public figures who resist congressional subpoenas has proven challenging. However, recent precedent, exemplified by the case of former Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon, demonstrates that it is not insurmountable. Bannon faced a federal offense conviction and a four-year prison sentence last year (currently under appeal) for refusing to cooperate.
If Hunter Biden faces charges for non-compliance, he would contend with a burgeoning legal caseload, including existing federal gun charges.
