House GOP Releases Hunter Biden Contempt of Congress Resolution

House Republicans released a resolution on Monday to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a congressional subpoena. 

For Context: Hunter, President Joe Biden’s son, refused to attend a closed-door deposition before the GOP-led House Oversight Committee on December 13, instead calling for a public hearing at a press conference on Capitol Hill. The committee is investigating whether President Biden committed impeachable offenses potentially connected to Hunter’s business dealings when the older Biden was vice president.

Key Quote: A report accompanying the resolution stated, “In no uncertain terms, Mr. Biden has no valid reason for failing to comply with the Committees’ duly authorized subpoenas. Conversely, the Committees’ need for Mr. Biden’s testimony is well-established pursuant to Congress’s constitutionally prescribed legislative and impeachment functions. By flagrantly defying the Committees’ subpoenas, Mr. Biden has violated federal law.”

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was common across the spectrum, often reflecting partisan divides. This was particularly visible on homepages, where headlines sometimes differ from the article headlines themselves; a Fox News (Right bias) homepage headline said Republicans were holding “Hunter Biden accountable” for his “Capitol stunt,” framing the GOP as justified. Conversely, a Daily Beast (Left bias) homepage headline said the GOP “wants Hunter Biden held in contempt,” framing Republicans as vindictive. 

Why the Difference: Whether the Biden impeachment inquiry is warranted or not, it is convenient for conservatives and inconvenient for liberals. Thus, framing the inquiry’s leaders as responsible or irresponsible makes each side feel more confident in its position.