Representative James Comer (R-MN), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has officially subpoenaed President Joe Biden's brother James and son Hunter Biden. The GOP subpoena, which has been in talks for months, has received much criticism from Democratic lawmakers who view the move as being politically motivated.
By subpoenaing the Bidens for questioning, the GOP can come closer to their desire to formally impeach the president. However, Democrats view these inquiries as being reactionary to the two impeachments against former president Donald Trump (R).
“These subpoenas and interview requests are yet further proof that this sham impeachment inquiry is driven only by the demands of the vengeful and prevaricating Donald Trump,” said Representative Jamie Raskin, chairman of the Democratic Oversight Committee.
“Now, the House Oversight Committee is going to bring in members of the Biden family and their associates to question them on this record of evidence,” said Rep. Comer.
House Republicans are seeking testimonies from family members such as James Biden's wife, Sara Biden, and the widow of Beau Biden, Hallie Biden.
The GOP's subpoena picks up as newly elected speaker Mike Johnson (R) begins his term. So far, the speaker has faced much pushback from Democrats and some Republicans.
Rep. Johnson recently passed one of the first major bills of his term. However, his bill that includes foreign aid for Israel is expected to be vetoed by President Joe Biden (D).
Rep. Johnson's $14.3 billion bill is set to send aid to Israel, as it defends itself from the terrorist organization Hamas, but does not include aid to Ukraine, which is currently fighting a war against Russia. The Biden administration has called for a $106 billion package that would send funds to both Ukraine and Israel, as well as other programs.
The bill was largely backed by the GOP, with 12 Democrats voting in favor of the bill and two Republicans voting against it. Nevertheless, the foreign aid bill attracted a lot of criticism from many lawmakers for not meeting the desires of some in Congress. Many of those in Congress want to continue to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian attacks and believe it is important. Some conservative lawmakers, however, view the two issues as separate.
