House Committees Investigate Hunter Biden’s Probation Deal
Three Republican-led House committees have initiated an inquiry into Hunter Biden’s probation-only plea deal, which recently fell apart under scrutiny from a Delaware federal judge. The probe aims to investigate President Joe Biden’s involvement in his son’s foreign dealings. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the committees demanded information about the deal, including details highlighting the unusually generous terms.
The leaked diversion agreement contained two provisions that granted Hunter Biden broad immunity for past crimes, contrary to a prosecutor’s claims during court proceedings. Additionally, the pact would have prevented the Justice Department from charging Hunter if he violated the terms of his probation without permission from a judge. Concerned by these developments, the congressional leaders expressed worries that preferential treatment was extended to Hunter Biden.
The Republican committee leaders, namely Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, and Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, wrote, The Department’s unusual plea and pretrial diversion agreements with Mr. Biden raise serious concerns—especially when combined with recent whistleblower allegations—that the Department has provided preferential treatment toward Mr. Biden.
The leaders highlighted US District Judge Maryellen Noreika’s reaction to the agreement’s rejection, stating that the Department had shifted a broad immunity provision from the plea agreement to the pretrial diversion agreement to avoid scrutiny. Moreover, the Department had relinquished its ability to bring charges against Hunter Biden for any breaches of the diversion agreement without the District Court’s permission. This manipulation of circumstances to benefit Hunter Biden raised substantial questions.
The committees also expressed concerns that the Department may be claiming ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden to shield itself from congressional oversight. They cited a notable statement made by Hunter Biden’s counsel during a hearing about the immunity provision potentially precluding charges under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Last week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced Republicans’ plans to launch an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden’s role in his son’s foreign dealings, with the three committees leading the process. Meanwhile, Devon Archer, one of Hunter Biden’s former business partners, testified privately to the Oversight Committee about Joe Biden’s involvement in his son’s work with Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs.
The prosecutors’ contradicting statements during court proceedings and defense attorney Chris Clark’s disagreement suggest ambiguity regarding potential charges against Hunter Biden for crimes related to his work in China, Ukraine, and other countries. The diversion agreement’s explicit reference to immunity covered both the gun-related conduct and entirely unrelated conduct, which drew Judge Noreika’s attention. The Department was unable to provide precedent for an immunity provision encompassing unrelated cases.
In their letter to Attorney General Garland, the committee leaders requested information on Hunter Biden’s pending case and an explanation of the Department’s initial agreement to the plea deal despite ongoing investigations. They also asked for details regarding similar pretrial diversion agreements over the past ten years.
The committees have set a deadline of August 14 for Attorney General Garland to provide the requested information. The Justice Department has not yet issued a response regarding the committee leaders’ inquiries.
