Isolation investigation Republicans invite Joe Biden to testify before Congress

Representative James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to the Democratic President, calling on him to “explain, under oath” in a public hearing, his involvement in the Biden family companies.

“In light of the wide gap between your public statements and the evidence collected by the committee, as well as the obstruction from the White House, it is in the best interest of the American people for you to respond directly to members of Congress’ questions. I urge you to do so,” the Kentucky Republican wrote.

Although Biden is unlikely to agree to appear before lawmakers in such a context, Comer pointed to previous examples of presidents testifying before Congress.

The call comes as the months-long investigation into Mr. Biden nears its end, and Republicans face the harsh reality that they lack the political appetite in the conference to carry out a true impeachment. However, those behind the initiative, including Mr. Coomer, are under increasing political pressure to implement after months of investigation into the Biden family and its network of international business dealings.

The alleged influence peddling scheme

The White House has repeatedly expressed that the investigation is baseless, and has asked Republicans to “move on” and focus on the “real issues” affecting Americans.

“This is a sad coup at the end of a failed attempt to impeach Trump,” spokesman Ian Sams said in a social media post last week.

The committee alleged that the Bidens exploited their family name, an alleged influence-peddling scheme that Republicans are trying to link to a small number of phone calls or dinners between Joe Biden, when he was vice president or out of office, and Hunter Biden and his business associates. .

But despite devoting countless resources over the past year, and interviewing dozens of witnesses, including the president's son Hunter Biden and his brother James Biden, Republicans have yet to present any evidence proving that Joe Biden was directly involved in or benefited from his family's case. Of which. business while holding public office.

Obtaining the president's testimony may ultimately be the final chapter in the investigation.

Late last year, Republicans leading the investigation privately discussed holding a vote on articles of impeachment in the new year, but growing criticism within their party forced a change in strategy. Mr. Comer is now considering potential criminal referrals of the family to the Department of Justice, a move that would be largely symbolic and unlikely to be entertained by the department.

Associated Press congressional correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.