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House Republican Chairs James Comer (R-KY) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) announced plans to initiate contempt proceedings against President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, following his failure to appear for a scheduled deposition.

Instead of attending the deposition, Hunter Biden held a press conference on the Capitol lawn, insisting on testifying in a public setting rather than a closed-door session. In response, Comer and Jordan stated, “Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings. We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden.” They further emphasized the importance of a formal vote on an impeachment inquiry resolution, linking Hunter Biden’s noncompliance as additional justification for their inquiry.

Hunter Biden defended his position, expressing his long-standing grievance against what he perceives as targeted attacks by the Trump administration: “For six years, I have been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine, shouting, ‘Where’s Hunter?’ Well, here’s my answer: I am here.” He also accused Republicans of avoiding transparency: “Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say.”

The process of contempt proceedings involves a committee vote, followed by a full House floor vote, eventually referring the matter to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution.