Hunter Biden defied a congressional subpoena Wednesday by refusing to appear for a deposition with the House Oversight Committee, the latest development in the impeachment inquiry into his father, President Joe Biden.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., threatened a contempt of Congress charge last week if Hunter Biden refused the deposition. At time of publication, he had not followed through.
Hunter Biden has asked to testify publicly instead of in private, saying that House Republicans would twist his testimony. He spoke to reporters outside the Capitol building Wednesday morning.
“For six years I have been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine, shouting, ‘Where’s Hunter?” he said. “Well, here’s my answer. I am here.”
House Republican leadership is expected Wednesday to bring a floor vote that would formalize the impeachment inquiry into the president.
That move would put the full weight of the House behind the inquiry and provide more legal footing for the subpoenas sent out by the impeachment inquiry if that issue goes to court.
“It’s clear the House will have to defend our lawful investigations in court, and passing this resolution will put us in the best position possible to enforce our subpoenas and set forth a clear process,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., said at a press conference Tuesday.
