Democratic congressman argues the Republican charges lack merit and contrasts Hunter Biden’s actions with past contempt cases.
Jamie Raskin, the Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, has criticised Republican plans to charge Hunter Biden with contempt of Congress, asserting that these charges are unfounded. Raskin, a former constitutional law professor, pointed out the stark differences between Biden’s conduct and previous witnesses who faced contempt citations.
In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Raskin argued that Hunter Biden had not refused to cooperate, unlike other individuals who had outright ignored subpoenas, such as Steve Bannon and Ohio Representative Jim Jordan during the January 6 committee hearings. Raskin emphasised that Biden, through his lawyer, had engaged in written communication with the committee and expressed a willingness to cooperate, with the only condition being that he would not testify behind closed doors.
The controversy began after Hunter Biden declined to testify in a closed session before the GOP-led Oversight Committee on 13 December. Instead, Biden made a public statement on Capitol Hill, expressing his desire to testify in an open hearing, where the American public could observe the proceedings.
Raskin defended Biden’s position, explaining that Biden’s refusal to participate in a secretive closed-door session did not amount to a refusal to comply with the subpoena. “He didn’t outright refuse,” Raskin stated. “He was willing to testify but on the condition that it be in an open forum where his statements could be properly understood, unlike the opaque process that had unfolded previously.”
The Democratic congressman also commented on the broader implications of the GOP’s allegations, stating that the accusations against President Biden, particularly regarding alleged influence peddling and bribery, lacked substantive details. According to Raskin, the absence of specific criminal allegations against the president made it difficult for the White House to mount a robust defence.
Despite the constant pressure from House Republicans to link President Biden to his son’s business dealings, Raskin asserted that the role of Democrats on the Oversight Committee was not to defend Hunter Biden but to protect democratic institutions and ensure government accountability. He reiterated that the committee’s work should not be reduced to a “fishing expedition” or a personal attack on individuals.
Raskin’s comments come as the House Republicans, emboldened by Donald Trump’s support, continue their push for impeachment proceedings, which the Maryland congressman has warned will ultimately prove to be an unfounded political tactic.
