Efforts by House Republicans to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress seem to be on hold after recent discussions with his attorneys, which could result in the president's son testifying in the near future.
This development comes after Hunter Biden's surprise appearance at a congressional oversight committee meeting last week, where Republicans complained about his refusal to make himself available for closed-door testimony in defiance of their subpoena.
The panel, in conjunction with the judiciary committee, voted to advance contempt resolutions to the full House, but both resolutions are currently on hold. This suspension is the result of ongoing negotiations between both sides seeking cooperation for a new date for Hunter Biden to testify in the Republican-led impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden.
Lawyers for Hunter Biden challenged the legality of the subpoenas, arguing that they were "legally invalid" as they predated the December House vote authorizing the impeachment push. Both committee chairs, Republicans James Comer and Jim Jordan, have expressed their willingness to recommend delaying the contempt vote if Biden cooperates and works to set a date for a closed-door deposition.
Hunter Biden, who initially insisted on testifying only in an open session, has since expressed his willingness to accept new subpoenas to provide evidence in private. His lead lawyer, Abbe Lowell, wrote to Comer and Jordan, stating, "If you issue a new proper subpoena, now that there is a duly authorized impeachment inquiry, Mr. Biden will comply for a hearing or deposition."
Negotiations between the parties are ongoing, and both sides are working to schedule Hunter Biden's appearance. The House Rules Committee is not currently considering the contempt resolution, providing additional time for attorneys to reach an agreement.
Republicans seek Hunter Biden's testimony as part of their investigation into unproven allegations of corruption involving his father. Democrats argue that Republicans are seeking private testimony because they know there is no evidence to implicate the president.
The contempt moves against Hunter Biden and the impeachment inquiry against his father are viewed by Democrats as part of a broader effort to smear the president as he seeks re-election later this year.
In a separate development, Hunter Biden's Hollywood attorney, Kevin Morris, is scheduled to participate in "transcribed interviews" with members of the House oversight, judiciary, and ways and means committees on Thursday, according to NBC. Morris has emerged as a key figure in Hunter Biden's legal troubles in California and played a role in arranging payments for outstanding tax obligations to the IRS.