Hunter Biden unexpectedly appeared at a US House of Representatives hearing where Republicans were pushing for a vote to hold him in contempt of Congress for not testifying in the impeachment inquiry against his father, President Joe Biden, Reuters reports.
The younger Biden entered the hearing without speaking to reporters and sat quietly, causing chaos and heated exchanges among committee members. Hunter Biden, who had been subpoenaed for a closed-door deposition, expressed willingness to testify publicly, but lawmakers insisted on a private deposition.
Republicans allege that the president and his family improperly profited from policy actions during Biden’s vice-presidency. The full House will vote on contempt, and if approved, the Justice Department will decide whether to prosecute. Contempt of Congress carries penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and one to 12 months imprisonment.
