By LINDSAY WHITEHURST (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden on Tuesday provided to testify publicly earlier than Congress in response to a subpoena from Republicans investigating practically each facet of his enterprise dealings as they pursue an impeachment inquiry into his father, President Joe Biden.
The Democratic president’s son slammed the inquiry as a “fishing expedition” and refused to offer closed-door testimony however stated he would “answer any pertinent and relevant question” in entrance of the House Oversight Committee subsequent month, establishing a possible high-stakes face-off.
Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, subpoenaed Hunter Biden in early November within the inquiry’s most aggressive step but and one which assessments the attain of congressional oversight powers. Comer’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon Tuesday.
So far, Republicans have didn’t uncover proof straight implicating President Biden in any wrongdoing. But lawmakers insist their proof paints a troubling image of “influence peddling” within the Biden household’s enterprise dealings, notably with purchasers abroad.
The subpoena demanded Hunter Biden seem earlier than the Oversight Committee for a deposition by mid-December. His uncle James Biden was subpoenaed identical day, in addition to former enterprise affiliate Rob Walker.
Hunter Biden’s legal professional Abbe Lowell stated in Tuesday’s letter that his consumer had “misgivings about your motives and purpose” however had beforehand provided to talk with the committee and not using a response.
“Your empty investigation has gone on too long wasting too many better-used resources. It should come to an end,” Lowell wrote. “From all the individuals you have requested depositions or interviews, all you will learn is that your accusations are baseless. However, the American people should see that for themselves.”
He provided to look on Dec. 13, the date named within the subpoena, or one other day subsequent month.
The subpoenas had been bitterly opposed by Democrats, and the White House referred to as for the subpoenas to be withdrawn. Richard Sauber, particular counsel to the president, wrote that the subpoenas are “irresponsible” and the product of an overzealous House GOP majority that “weaponized the oversight powers of Congress.”
Congressional Republicans are additionally probing the Justice Department’s dealing with of a felony investigation into Hunter Biden’s enterprise dealings. That long-running case had been anticipated to finish with a plea deal, nevertheless it imploded throughout a July plea listening to.
Hunter Biden is now charged with three firearms felonies associated to the 2018 buy of a gun throughout a interval he has acknowledged being hooked on medication. No new tax fees have been filed, however prosecutors have indicated they’re potential in Washington or California, the place he now lives.
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Associated Press author Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”