(TruthAndLiberty.com) – The Justice Department has declined to provide House Republicans with subpoenaed audio recordings of an interview between former Special Counsel Robert Hur and President Biden. This refusal puts Attorney General Merrick Garland at risk of being accused of contempt of Congress by House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who had set a deadline for compliance.
Despite responding by the deadline, the Justice Department conveyed its decision not to release the audio recordings, citing concerns over the congressional committees’ intentions, which it suggested might be politically motivated rather than based on legitimate oversight. Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte expressed that the demand for these recordings, when similar information had already been provided, seemed to serve political rather than investigative purposes.
While the Department has agreed to share certain documents, including a transcript of an interview with Biden’s ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer, it remains firm on withholding the audio files. Comer and Jordan, having previously warned of possible contempt proceedings, are focusing on obtaining these recordings, arguing that Congress should independently determine its need for such materials in overseeing the executive branch.
Comer has publicly questioned the administration’s transparency, especially after transcripts of Biden’s interviews were released without the actual audio. He emphasized the need for the American public to hear Biden’s statements firsthand to ensure transparency.
The tension revolves around the investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents, with Hur’s report suggesting Biden had read classified notes during sessions with Zwonitzer. Although Hur’s investigation, which concluded without recommending charges against Biden, described the President as forgetful, this portrayal has sparked debate concerning Biden’s fitness for future office.
Comer and Jordan have also subpoenaed Zwonitzer for documents related to his ghostwriting for Biden, including communications and contracts, as well as any audio recordings and transcripts of conversations with Biden. These moves are part of the broader investigation into how Biden managed classified materials, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in the administration.
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