House Oversight Chairman Invites Joe Biden to Testify on Family’s Influence Peddling
House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) extended an invitation to President Joe Biden to testify before his committee regarding concerns surrounding his family’s influence peddling activities. Comer highlighted that the Committee has uncovered a substantial amount totaling over $24 million that originated from foreign sources and was directed towards Biden, his family members, and their associates. The funds raised questions due to the absence of clear, legitimate services provided in exchange for such large financial transactions.
Comer emphasized discrepancies in Biden’s previous statements denying any involvement in his family’s business affairs, juxtaposed against evidence compiled by the Committee. This evidence includes bank records and witness testimonies that directly contradict Biden’s claims.
Challenges from China and Russia
Notably, Comer called out Biden for accepting funds from China despite Biden’s denial of any financial ties to the country. Approximately $10 million traced back to China has been linked to influence peddling by the Biden family. Testimonies from former business associates revealed personal meetings between Biden and various Chinese individuals, leading to significant monetary contributions. Concerns were raised as many of these interactions occurred during Biden’s tenure as Vice President or his presidential campaign.
In addition, Comer questioned Biden’s actions in relation to Ukraine, particularly his alleged role in pressuring the country to dismiss the official investigating a Ukrainian gas company connected to Hunter Biden. Bank records revealed substantial payments made to Hunter Biden during Biden’s time in public office, raising suspicions about potential conflicts of interest.
The Oversight Committee also scrutinized Biden’s interactions with Russia, citing instances where Biden participated in meetings with Russian individuals alongside his family’s business associates. This included a significant contribution made by a prominent Russian figure to Biden’s son and his business partner just days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, potentially aiming to avoid U.S. sanctions on Russian accounts.
Proposed Hearing Date
Comer extended an offer to accommodate Biden’s schedule for the hearing, suggesting April 16, 2024, as a potential date. The Committee underscored the importance of Biden addressing questions surrounding his involvement in what they referred to as his family’s “pay-for-influence schemes.”
The call for Biden to testify before the committee signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing investigation into his family’s financial engagements and their implications on Biden’s political career.
Image/Photo credit: source url