As reported by Fox News, House Republicans allege that Hunter Biden lied multiple times under oath during his congressional deposition.
The House Ways & Means Committee has released documents that it claims contradict Hunter Biden's testimony regarding his business dealings and personal actions.
House Republicans assert that newly released documents reveal that Hunter Biden lied thrice during his congressional deposition. These documents were discussed during a markup session held by the House Ways & Means Committee, where they are protected under IRS code 6103. It is a felony to discuss such material without proper release, but the committee voted to release the information on Wednesday.
The documents allegedly show that Hunter Biden lied about his control over bank accounts at Rosemont Seneca, his involvement in helping a foreign national obtain a visa, and his contacts with a Chinese individual named Zhao. Additionally, he is accused of demanding $10 million from a Chinese energy firm, claiming he had strong influence through his father. Hunter Biden has also been charged with federal gun and tax charges in two separate jurisdictions, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
IRS whistleblowers have accused the Department of Justice of not charging Hunter Biden for certain tax violations due to political influences. They claim Hunter Biden did not report substantial income from Burisma Holdings in 2014 on his tax returns, raising further questions about his financial dealings.
House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith emphasized the gravity of the allegations against Hunter Biden:
Hunter Biden has shown once again he believes there are two systems of justice in this country – one for his family, and one for everyone else. Not only did Hunter Biden refuse to comply with his initial subpoena until threatened with criminal contempt, but he then came before Congress and lied. The Ways and Means Committee’s investigation, and the documents released today, are not part of a personal vendetta against Hunter Biden, but are meant to ensure the equal application of the law.
Smith also highlighted the consequences of lying under oath, stating that it is a felony offense for which the Department of Justice has prosecuted numerous individuals in recent years. He expressed that the American people expect the same accountability for the President's son.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, responded to the allegations by criticizing the committee's actions. He accused the committee of twisting Hunter Biden's testimony to revive an impeachment inquiry he deemed a failure.
The investigation into Hunter Biden, led by Special Counsel David Weiss, has been ongoing and involves accusations of tax evasion and false tax reporting. IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler have voiced their frustration over the handling of the case, particularly regarding decisions not to charge Hunter Biden for specific tax years.
The documents released by the House Ways & Means Committee contradict Hunter Biden’s earlier testimony on several key points. These include his control over bank accounts at Rosemont Seneca, his involvement in helping a foreign national obtain a visa, and his contacts with Zhao. Hunter Biden is also alleged to have demanded $10 million from a Chinese energy firm, asserting his influence through his father.
In a WhatsApp message attributed to Hunter Biden, he appears to leverage his father's position to influence a business deal. This message has been highlighted as part of the evidence suggesting that Hunter Biden lied under oath:
I am sitting here with my father, and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. And, Z, if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you, Zhang or the chairman, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction.
The allegations against Hunter Biden and releasing these documents have intensified the scrutiny surrounding his actions and testimony. House Republicans continue to assert that there is a double standard in the application of justice, emphasizing the need for accountability. The investigation, led by Special Counsel David Weiss, remains ongoing, with IRS whistleblowers calling for a thorough examination of all evidence.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s deposition has brought to light significant allegations of dishonesty and improper influence. The House Ways & Means Committee’s release of these documents marks a pivotal moment in the investigation, raising questions about the integrity of Hunter Biden’s testimony and the broader implications for justice.