GOP chairmen concerned DOJ will obstruct IRS whistleblower inquiry into Hunter Biden investigation.
The Department of Justice Hindering Investigation into Hunter Biden’s Case, Say House Committee Chairmen
The chairmen of the House Ways and Means, Judiciary, and Oversight Committees have expressed their concerns over the Department of Justice’s alleged hindrance of the agency’s inspector general in investigating allegations raised by two Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers who were previously assigned to Hunter Biden’s criminal case.
In a letter addressed to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, Chairmen Jim Jordan (R-OH) of Judiciary, Jason Smith (R-MO) of Ways and Means, and James Comer (R-KY) of Oversight stated that they are “concerned that the DOJ is limiting” Horowitz’s office from “fully investigating the disclosures provided” by the IRS whistleblowers.
Interference in the Investigation
IRS supervisory special agent Gary Shapley and IRS special agent Joseph Ziegler, who both worked on the Hunter Biden criminal investigation, testified before the full House Oversight Committee, claiming significant interference by the DOJ in the investigation.
According to their testimony, the department “slow-walked” the investigation, allowing the statute of limitations on some criminal charges to lapse. They also alleged that the DOJ blocked them from interviewing Hunter Biden or his adult children and denied the lead US Attorney David Weiss’ request for special counsel status.
Shapley and Ziegler further revealed that once they raised these concerns to their superiors and later to Congress, they were removed from the Hunter Biden case and faced negative career consequences.
Unlawful Whistleblower Retaliation
“The DOJ and IRS have reportedly engaged in unlawful whistleblower retaliation against the IRS employees,” stated the chairmen in their letter. They emphasized that the testimony of Shapley and Ziegler raised serious questions about the federal government’s commitment to fair and impartial justice.
On July 19, Inspector General Horowitz confirmed in a letter to Congress that Shapley had made protected disclosures regarding the Hunter Biden criminal investigation. He mentioned that his office had taken steps to assess the information provided but acknowledged potential limitations on the OIG’s jurisdiction to investigate the claims.
Horowitz consulted the DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility, which has jurisdiction over allegations of misconduct involving Department attorneys, investigators, or law enforcement personnel. However, the chairmen expressed concern that the DOJ is prioritizing covering for the President’s son and potentially the President himself, compromising its professional responsibility.
Request for Information
The chairmen have requested more information about the status of the investigation, seeking documents and/or information to understand the scope of the inspector general’s investigation. They specifically want to know if there are any limitations on the investigation and the reasons behind them.
They have given Horowitz until Sep. 6 to comply with their request, although it is unlikely that he will provide documents or information while the internal investigation is ongoing. Nevertheless, this demonstrates the chairmen’s determination to hold the department accountable and uncover the truth about the Hunter Biden criminal investigation.
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