On the same day House Republicans were set to formalize an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, his son Hunter defied a subpoena from Congress, raising the possibility that he could be held in contempt of Congress.
Hunter Biden has said he will testify publicly, but not behind closed doors as Republicans running the impeachment inquiry into his father demanded.
Not willing to negotiate on the venue for the testimony, House Oversight Chair James Comer and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan said they will start contempt proceedings against Hunter Biden for not appearing for his scheduled deposition.
“Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings,” the pair said in a statement.
Democrats used the process several times as they ran into uncooperative allies and former aides to former President Donald Trump.
The Department of Justice ultimately did not pursue charges against Trump aide Dan Scavino and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
But federal prosecutors did take two Trump allies, Stephen Bannon and former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro to trial on the criminal contempt charges.
Bannon was found guilty in 2022, but has not yet served his sentence of four months in jail as appeals continue. Navarro was found guilty earlier this year, but is also appealing his conviction.
Criminal contempt is one of three options Congress can pursue to enforce its subpoenas, along with civil and inherent contempt.
The House Oversight Committee could vote to find Hunter Biden in criminal contempt and then refer that finding to the full House for a contempt vote. If that vote succeeds, House Speaker Mike Johnson certifies the report to the United States attorney for the District of Columbia.
Under law, this certification…
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