Comer, Greene Renew Request to DOJ on Mishandling of Hunter Biden Victims’ Rights - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) are today renewing their probe into the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) potential failure to uphold the rights of victims who were sexually exploited by Hunter Biden. In a letter to top officials at DOJ, the lawmakers warn that DOJ’s decision to ignore the Committee’s initial inquiry flies in the face of the agency’s own policies and renew their request for documents, communications, and a briefing related to DOJ’s conduct involving the victims.

“DOJ’s decision to ignore the Committee’s request runs afoul of its own policies in the Justice Manual. The agency’s policies clearly state, ‘it is important that the Department provide timely responses to congressional inquiries.’ Unfortunately, DOJ’s leadership continues to apply unwritten exceptions to its own rules and policies when the Bidens are involved,” the lawmakers wrote.

Two IRS whistleblowers who investigated Hunter Biden’s evasion of taxes on his $8.3 million in income exposed the Department of Justice’s politicization and misconduct during the investigation before a House Oversight and Accountability hearing. Following the whistleblowers’ testimonies, on July 25, Chairman Comer and Rep. Greene wrote a letter to DOJ requesting information related to DOJ’s conduct involving the victims, including why it chose to forgo particular charges and pursue crimes that could preclude victims from receiving relief under the law. DOJ failed to respond to this letter beyond confirming its receipt.

“Testimony from an Internal Revenue Service whistleblower indicated that DOJ compiled a list of potential victims relating to an investigation of Hunter Biden for Mann Act violations. These women may be victims under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act and may also be afforded mandatory restitution pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act. In light of DOJ’s refusal to communicate in a meaningful way with the Committee, we have great skepticism that DOJ has been adequately communicating with crime victims. Considering DOJ’s public campaign purporting its commitment to prosecuting human trafficking and other sexual exploitation crimes, DOJ should respond to Congressional requests related to this issue in a timely and thorough manner,” the lawmakers continued.

Read the letter to Ms. Hilary Azam, National Human Trafficking Coordinator, and Ms. Kristina Rose, Director, Office of Victims of Crime, here.