House Oversight Committee Releases Memo Accusing Hunter Biden of Receiving Millions from Oligarchs
House Republicans have released a memo claiming that money from foreign sources has made its way to President Joe Biden's family, raising co...
House Republicans Release Memo Alleging Foreign Money Influence on Biden Family
House Republicans have released a memo claiming that money from foreign sources has made its way to President Joe Biden's family, raising concerns about influence peddling and national security. The memo, compiled by GOP staff on the House Oversight Committee, focuses mainly on Biden's son, Hunter, who is currently under federal criminal investigation.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has suggested that the congressional probe into the Biden family's finances could potentially lead to an impeachment inquiry, but Democrats argue that no evidence has been produced to show that the president received any foreign money directly. President Biden himself has dismissed the allegations of corruption as "a bunch of malarkey."
Bank Records Show Payments to Hunter Biden from Oligarchs
A memo reveals that bank records indicate that Hunter Biden, along with his business partner Devon Archer, received millions of dollars from oligarchs in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. The payments were made for various services, including Hunter Biden's board position at Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings. These transactions took place during the time when Joe Biden was serving as vice president.
Allegations of Access and Influence
Oversight Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, has made a statement suggesting that Hunter Biden provided access to the Biden network, including Joe Biden himself, without offering any real services. Comer points to meals at Café Milano in Washington, D.C., where then-Vice President Joe Biden allegedly dined with oligarchs who had sent money to his son.
Testimony and Criticisms
During a hearing before the House Oversight Committee, a transcript was released showing that a witness named Archer testified about Joe Biden attending dinners with his son's business partners. According to the witness, Biden did not discuss anything important during these meals or in phone calls with Hunter's associates. However, the witness did mention that the Biden family's reputation had a positive impact on their business ventures.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland and the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, has criticized his Republican colleagues for releasing a new memo that focuses on financial transactions unrelated to the president. Raskin argues that the memo simply rehashes the same business dealings involving Hunter Biden that Republicans have been discussing for the past three years.
Claims of Concealed Money and Subpoenas
The former principal deputy communications director of the White House, Kate Berner, has stated that a memo released by Republican Representative James Comer does not provide evidence of a direct payment to President Biden. Comer has claimed that multiple "sham" companies and complex financial transactions have been utilized to conceal money being funneled to members of the Biden family. The Oversight Committee, led by Comer, has issued subpoenas to six banks in order to obtain records related to individuals and companies associated with the Biden family and their business partners, resulting in the production of thousands of records.
Focus on Legislative Solutions and Allegations of Bribery
The GOP oversight staff has released a new memo stating that they have not yet subpoenaed bank records of members of the Biden family. The memo also mentions that the committee intends to create legislative solutions to strengthen ethics laws and rules related to the disclosure of financial interests.
The GOP oversight staff has released two bank memos this year, claiming that they have identified over $20 million in payments from foreign sources, including China, to the Biden family and their business associates. They suggest that the Biden family is the recipient of bribery payments, but they do not directly accuse them of being involved in any schemes. This comes after allegations of a $5 million scheme in Ukraine, as recounted by an FBI informant.
Accusations of Corrupt "Business Model"
House Speaker McCarthy has accused President Biden of having a corrupt "business model" in a post on social media platform X. McCarthy claims that the alleged $20 million-plus funds obtained by Biden's family reveal a pattern of behavior that includes getting rich from foreign money, evading taxes, and prosecuting political rivals. McCarthy's statement is seen as a reference to the ongoing criminal investigations against former President Donald Trump.
Delays and Potential Charges
Whistleblowers have alleged that the federal criminal inquiry into Hunter Biden has been deliberately delayed to prevent more serious charges. However, Department of Justice leaders have denied claims of politicization. Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, may still face charges related to violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), according to prosecutors. A plea deal related to alleged tax and gun crimes has faced obstacles.