Republicans threaten contempt proceedings if Hunter Biden refuses to appear for deposition

House Republicans have issued a stern ultimatum to Hunter Biden, warning that they will pursue contempt proceedings if he fails to comply with their request for a closed-door deposition this month. This move escalates the ongoing standoff surrounding the potential testimony of President Joe Biden’s son.

Hunter Biden has firmly stated his willingness to testify only in a public setting. However, top Republicans, including Rep. James Comer of Kentucky and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who chair the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees respectively, have emphasized that their subpoena for a closed-door deposition scheduled for December 13 is non-negotiable. In a letter to Hunter Biden’s attorney, they countered his assertion of choice, stating that there is no alternative path.

The Republicans further justified their position by noting that seeking a private session before a public hearing has been a customary approach employed by both political parties when deposing witnesses.

Hunter Biden’s reluctance to testify behind closed doors stems from concerns that information from such interviews could be selectively leaked and manipulated to distort facts and misinform the American public.

In response to these developments, President Biden categorically dismissed allegations of illegal or unethical behavior regarding his son’s business dealings as “lies.” This response came after polling indicated that a significant portion of the U.S. adult population believed the president had acted inappropriately in relation to his son’s affairs.

While Republicans have yet to uncover direct evidence implicating the president in any wrongdoing, questions have arisen regarding the ethical aspects of the Biden family’s international business dealings. Lawmakers contend that their evidence suggests a troubling pattern of “influence peddling,” particularly in dealings with foreign clients.

The subpoenas issued in early November, targeting Hunter Biden and others, marked the inquiry’s most assertive steps to date, testing the boundaries of congressional oversight powers. The White House has questioned the legitimacy of these subpoenas.

In response to criticism, Republicans are planning to hold a vote next week to formally authorize their impeachment inquiry. This move aims to bolster their legal standing in case the battle over subpoenas ends up in court.

House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the necessity of following constitutional responsibilities, stating that adopting a formal impeachment inquiry on the floor would position them at the zenith of their constitutional authority.

Josh Boak, a writer for Big Big News, contributed to this report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Contempt Proceedings

More about Contempt Proceedings

• House Republicans Warn Hunter Biden
• Hunter Biden’s Concerns About Closed-Door Testimony
• President Biden’s Response to Allegations
• Focus of Republicans’ Inquiry
• Republicans’ Plan to Strengthen Legal Standing
• Contributor: Josh Boak, Big Big News