WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden offered to testify publicly before Congress on Tuesday in response to a subpoena from the Republicans investigating almost every aspect of his business dealings as they pursue an impeachment inquiry in his father, President Joe Biden.
The Democratic president’s son called the investigation a “fishing expedition” and refused to testify behind closed doors, but said he would “answer any pertinent and relevant questions” before the House Oversight Committee. representatives next month, creating a potential high-stakes investigation. faceoff.
Representative James Comer of Kentuckythe chairman of the House Oversight Committee, subpoenaed Hunter Biden in early November, in the most aggressive stage of the investigation yet and one that tests the scope of Congress’s surveillance powers. Comer’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
So far, Republicans have failed to uncover evidence directly implicating President Biden in wrongdoing. But lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of “influence peddling” in the Biden family’s business dealings, particularly with clients overseas.
The subpoena required Hunter Biden to appear before the Oversight Committee for a deposition by mid-December. His uncle James Biden was subpoenaed the same day, as was his former associate Rob Walker.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in Tuesday’s letter that his client had “doubts about your motives and purpose” but had previously offered to speak with the committee without response.
“Your meaningless investigation has lasted too long, wasting too many resources better used. This should end,” Lowell wrote. “From everyone you have asked for statements or interviews, all you will learn is that your accusations are baseless. However, the American people should see it for themselves.”
He offered to appear on Dec. 13, the date listed in the subpoena, or another day next month.
Democrats fiercely opposed the subpoenas and the White House requested withdrawal of subpoenas. Richard Sauber, special counsel to the president, wrote that the subpoenas are “irresponsible” and are the product of an overzealous House Republican majority that “weaponized Congress’s surveillance powers.”
Congressional Republicans are also investigating how the Justice Department conducted a criminal investigation into Hunter Biden’s business dealings. The long-running case was expected to end in a plea deal, but it imploded during a plea hearing in July.
Hunter Biden is now charged with three firearms offenses related to purchasing a firearm in 2018 during a period when he admitted to being a drug addict. No new charges have been filed, but prosecutors said they were possible in Washington or California, where he now lives.
Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.
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