House Committees Vote to Hold Hunter Biden in Contempt of Congress

In a significant development, two congressional committees have voted to formally recommend that Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, be held in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena in the Republican impeachment inquiry into his father. The Judiciary Committee voted 23 to 14, followed by the Oversight Committee with a 25-21 vote. Both votes were along party lines.

Hunter Biden’s Surprise Visit

Earlier on Wednesday, Hunter Biden surprised everyone by making a personal appearance at the committee meetings. Accompanied by his attorneys Abbe Lowell and Kevin Morris, Biden attended the meetings where the votes took place.

Biden’s Standoff with GOP Lawmakers

Biden and GOP lawmakers are at odds regarding his deposition in the impeachment inquiry. Republicans have demanded a closed-door deposition, while Biden has offered to testify publicly. This disagreement has led to his non-compliance with the congressional subpoena.

Republicans Call for Biden’s Arrest

During the Oversight Committee’s markup, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., called for Biden’s immediate arrest for defying the subpoena. She stated, “Hunter Biden, you are too afraid for a deposition, and I still think you are today.” Rep. Mace added, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”

Republicans Accused of Improper Motives

Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, accused committee Republicans of having “improper partisan motives.” Lowell stated that he and his client had repeatedly offered to work with Republicans to provide relevant information but were ignored. He called the GOP’s subpoena tactic a way to selectively leak and mischaracterize witness statements.

Biden’s Willingness to Testify

When asked if he would testify on Wednesday, Hunter Biden responded with a simple “Yes.” Despite this willingness, Biden and his legal team left the hearing, leaving Republicans questioning their motives.

Democrats’ Attempt for Public Testimony

During the Judiciary Committee’s contempt markup, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., suggested having Hunter Biden testify in public since he was present in the Capitol. However, the motion failed in a roll-call vote.

Support for Holding Biden in Contempt

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed his support for holding Hunter Biden in contempt, emphasizing the need for accountability. He stated, “We have to do this. This is our role. It’s our responsibility. We’re not taking any pleasure in this, this is not political.”

Latest Development in Ongoing Conflict

These committee votes come amidst an escalating back and forth between Hunter Biden and House Republicans. Biden’s legal team has maintained that the claims against him are baseless and that Republicans will misuse his comments for partisan purposes if the deposition is held behind closed doors.

Seeking White House Communications

As part of the impeachment effort, House Republicans have asked the White House to provide any communications it has had with Hunter Biden’s legal team. This request aims to determine whether President Biden had any involvement in his son’s decision to defy the congressional subpoena.

Sarah Fitzpatrick reported from Washington, and Summer Concepcion and Zoë Richards from New York.

Read More of this Story at www.nbcnews.com – 2024-01-10 23:33:47

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