James Bidenbrother of the president Joe Biden, is set to testify in a GOP-led impeachment inquiry this Wednesday. The testimony is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and influence peddling within the Biden family business.
What happened: James Biden will testify behind closed doors before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. This is the first of two high-profile testimonies the committee will hear this month as part of its impeachment inquiry into President Biden, The Hill reported.
Republicans leading the investigation argue that the president was deeply involved in his family’s affairs, including those of his younger brother. They say these relationships have been marred by corruption and influence peddling, exploiting the influential Biden name.
“Once again he has a lot to answer for,” the representative said. Nick Langworthy (RN.Y.), member of the House Oversight Committee. He said: “This will be a very important moment in this investigation.”
James Biden’s testimony reportedly follows a recent Politico investigation that found he used his brother’s name in negotiations with a rural health care company, Americore Health, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy.
However, the GOP impeachment inquiry faces obstacles. The Department of Justice recently indicted an FBI informant, Alexander Smirnov, which played a key role in the GOP’s accusations against President Biden. This development shed new light on the Republicans’ accusations.
James Biden’s testimony is expected to focus on Republicans’ allegations that a series of loans between the brothers were part of a bribery scheme. The panel, however, provided no evidence to support these claims.
Democrats have defended the Bidens, arguing that the money transfers between the brothers were short-term loans between family members made when Joe Biden was a private citizen and not in office.
See also: Trump’s rising legal bills could make him ‘completely compromised’ warns former lawyer Michael Cohen: ‘He’s for sale’
Because matter: The impeachment inquiry into President Biden has been a controversial issue. Former President Donald Trump privately supported impeachment, advising House Republicans, including Conference Chair Elise Stefanik.
Previously, Hunter Biden appeared at the House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing in response to a subpoena he had previously rejected.
The impeachment inquiry came under criticism after the indictment of FBI whistleblower Smirnov, who was accused of making false claims about Biden. This led the Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) to call for an end to the investigation.
Photo by Gints Ivuskans on Shutterstock
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