Congressional Republicans launched an inquiry into the Justice Department’s approval of a controversial plea deal for Hunter Biden, following its rejection by a federal judge.
In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, House committee chairs demanded information on the DOJ’s “apparently atypical” and “sweetheart” agreement with Biden.
Judge Maryellen Noreika declined to accept the deal’s lenient terms, deeming it unlike normal arrangements. Her concerns prompted the GOP probe into the DOJ’s preferential treatment of Biden.
The letter highlighted provisions that shielded Biden from charges if he violated the deal. It also suggested the DOJ aimed to limit congressional oversight by keeping related probes open.
Lawmakers requested data on similar arrangements in the past decade. Additionally, they asked for explanations of the DOJ’s rationale and status of ongoing Biden investigations.
The probe underscores Republican suspicions of bias in Biden’s favor. They imply cronyism tipped the scales of justice for the president’s son.
With a mid-August deadline, the DOJ must soon detail the decision-making behind an agreement the judge found extraordinarily favorable. The GOP inquiry promises close scrutiny of prosecutors accused of cushioning Biden.