Republicans warned Hunter Biden, son of United States President Joe Biden, on Wednesday that he could be charged with contempt if he refuses to testify behind closed doors before a congressional committee.
Hunter Biden was called on November 8 to testify behind closed doors on the 13th, but responded that he would only appear in open court so that his words could not be distorted.
In a letter to their attorneys, Republican Judiciary Leader Jim Jordan and Oversight Leader James Comer, the committees said the subpoena for the Dec. 13 closed-door testimony is non-negotiable.
Jordan and Comer argue that holding a closed session prior to a public hearing is an approach historically used when testifying witnesses.
Hunter Biden told Republicans he will not testify behind closed doors because the information could be selectively released and used “manipulating, even distorting, facts and misinforming the American public”.
If he sticks to his position and does not appear in the closed session, Comer and Jordan threatened to take “appropriate measures” to accuse Hunter Biden of disrespect for Congress, according to the US agency AP.
The subpoenas issued in early November to Hunter Biden and others were the most aggressive steps in the investigation, testing the scope of Congress’s oversight powers, the legitimacy of which has been challenged by the White House (the presidency). doubt was raised.
The criticism has led Republicans to plan a vote next week to formally authorize an impeachment inquiry into the president.
The response to the committee was in line with the more energetic approach that Hunter Biden’s legal team has taken in recent months.
Such an approach coincided with efforts by Republicans in Congress for an impeachment inquiry to link Joe Biden to his son’s affairs.
Former President Donald Trump and several Republican members of Congress have accused Hunter Biden of criminal conduct in connection with his professional activities, but an investigation launched in 2018 found no evidence of the alleged crimes.
Donald Trump and Joe Biden are considered the favorites for the nomination of the Republican and Democratic candidates respectively for the November 2024 presidential elections.
Source: DN
