House Republicans leading an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden have referred his son, Hunter Biden, and brother, James Biden, to the Department of Justice for making false statements to Congress during closed-door interviews earlier this year. The Republican committee chairmen sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and special counsel David Weiss recommending criminal charges against the Bidens.
The impeachment inquiry has failed to uncover evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden, and Republicans lack the votes to impeach him. The criminal referrals, while symbolic at present, urge the Justice Department to investigate and potentially charge the individuals in question.
The referrals cite false statements made by Hunter and James Biden during their respective interviews with congressional investigators. Republicans allege that Hunter Biden lied about his involvement with a corporate entity and fabricated text messages to pressure a Chinese company. James Biden's testimony regarding a meeting with a family business associate has been contradicted.
Hunter Biden's attorney dismissed the referrals as a distraction from his ongoing criminal trial on gun charges. The Republicans argue that Hunter's prior alleged criminal activity should be considered by the DOJ in evaluating the false statements. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for immediate action by the DOJ to investigate the Bidens.
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized the referrals as a desperate attempt to undermine President Biden's exoneration and distract from the impeachment inquiry's failure. The Republican chairmen maintain that the Bidens must be held accountable for their alleged criminal wrongdoing.
In response to the referrals, the Justice Department confirmed receipt but declined further comment. The outcome of the referrals remains uncertain, as federal prosecutors are not obligated to pursue criminal charges based on the recommendations.
