House moves to hold Hunter Biden in contempt after he failed to appear for deposition

"Hunter Biden today defied lawful subpoenas and we will now initiate contempt of Congress proceedings," a statement from House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan read.

"We will not provide special treatment because his last name is Biden."

The pair of lawmakers noted that during a speech issued on the Capitol lawn, Hunter Biden said his father "was not financially involved in his family’s business dealings."

"Exactly how was Joe Biden involved? Evidence shows Joe Biden met with Hunter’s business associates and his last name was at the center of the family business strategy."

The lawmakers noted that the House is set to vote on a Biden impeachment inquiry resolution later on Wednesday, and "today’s obstruction by Hunter Biden reinforces the need for a formal vote."

"President Biden and his family must be held accountable for their corruption and obstruction. And we will provide that to the American people."

Speaking with reporters shortly after Hunter Biden failed to show, Jordan said, "we’re disappointed that he didn’t show up, I mean, he was just across the way at the Capitol, you think he would be able to sit for questions."

He said that the White House and Hunter Biden’s counsel argued that he couldn’t appear because there wasn’t a formal vote for an impeachment inquiry.

"Well, that’s gonna happen in a few hours. We think it's gonna pass."

Hunter Biden and his lawyers repeatedly pushed for a public interview in Congress, despite House rules limiting access to depositions to "Committee, Committee staff designed by the Chairman or the ranking minority member, an official reporter, the witness, and the witness’ two designated attorneys."