DOJ withholds two officials from testifying in Hunter Biden investigation
House Republicans Weigh Next Steps After DOJ Blocks Tax Division Officials from Testifying
House Republicans are currently considering their next moves following the Department of Justice’s refusal to allow two Tax Division officials to appear for depositions in relation to their impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
Republicans have highlighted this issue in a recent report, expressing their frustration with the department’s actions. They claim that the DOJ has baselessly prevented these officials from testifying, despite subpoenas compelling their testimony.
House Judiciary Committee member Jim Jordan (R-OH) had previously subpoenaed senior litigation counsel Mark Daly and trial attorney Jack Morgan to appear for depositions in September, but the depositions never took place.
Republicans have indicated their intention to hold a floor vote next week to formalize their impeachment inquiry with a resolution. The fate of Morgan and Daly will be determined after this vote.
If an agreement cannot be reached between Jordan and the DOJ on how to proceed, the next steps would likely involve some form of litigation against the department.
Jordan has emphasized the importance of speaking with these officials, as they were involved in the DOJ’s investigation into Hunter Biden. Republicans are investigating whistleblower allegations that the first son received preferential treatment to avoid certain tax crimes.
In response to the subpoenas, the DOJ offered alternative senior-level individuals to testify before the committee, including special counsel David Weiss and two current United States attorneys. The department stated that it does not discuss non-public information about ongoing investigations and that those in supervisory roles should answer congressional questions.
The DOJ reiterated this position, stating that it has already made several supervisory employees available to speak to the committee regarding allegations about the scope of Weiss’s authority. The department also authorized testimony from David Weiss, confirming his role as the decision-maker in the case.
In their report, Republicans detailed their exchanges with the DOJ and accused the department of attempting to delay the depositions in bad faith. They argued that the DOJ’s reasons for withholding Daly and Morgan were insufficient, pointing out that the department has previously provided Congress with information about ongoing investigations and allowed lower-level employees to testify.
After extensive discussions with Jordan’s office, the DOJ appears to have agreed to allow Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Wolf to testify on a limited range of topics related to Hunter Biden on December 14.
The Tax Division has played a critical role in the DOJ’s investigation into Hunter Biden. Both Morgan and Daly, who work in the division, were involved in the case and represented the division during a crucial meeting at DOJ headquarters in June 2022 regarding prosecution decisions concerning the first son.
Gary Shapley, an IRS criminal investigator present at the meeting, publicly expressed concerns about the case this year. He alleged that the Tax Division argued against bringing charges against Hunter Biden during the meeting.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to the DOJ for comment.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What alternatives to public depositions do House Republicans argue do not provide the same level of transparency and accountability?
Ernative options for the officials to provide testimony, such as submitting written statements or participating in closed-door interviews. However, House Republicans argue that these alternatives do not provide the same level of transparency and accountability as a public deposition.
The Department of Justice’s refusal to allow these officials to testify has further exacerbated the tensions between House Republicans and the Biden administration. Republicans argue that this move is indicative of the administration’s lack of cooperation and transparency in the impeachment inquiry.
The impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden has been a contentious issue since its inception. Republicans have raised concerns about the potential bias and lack of due process in the investigation. The refusal to allow these Tax Division officials to testify only adds to these concerns.
If House Republicans proceed with a floor vote to formalize their impeachment inquiry, it will likely face opposition from Democrats, who hold the majority in the House. The outcome of the vote will determine the next course of action in the investigation.
While litigation against the Department of Justice is a possible next step, it could significantly delay the progress of the impeachment inquiry. Republicans would have to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of pursuing legal action against the department.
The importance of hearing from Mark Daly and Jack Morgan cannot be understated. Their involvement in the investigation into Hunter Biden and the handling of potential tax crimes is crucial to understanding the allegations against the first son. Republicans are determined to uncover the truth and ensure that all individuals involved are held accountable.
As the House Republicans weigh their next steps, it is clear that their frustration with the Department of Justice’s actions will be a driving force in their decision-making process. The outcome of the floor vote and any potential litigation will have significant implications for the future of the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
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