In a high-stakes showdown, Special Counsel Robert Hur is set to testify before a congressional committee this week regarding his investigation into how President Joe Biden handled classified documents. Despite accusations of political bias, Hur's defenders emphasize his commitment to facts and the law throughout his career.

Hur, a Republican appointed to his role as U.S. attorney by former President Donald Trump, is no stranger to politically charged investigations. He previously prosecuted former elected officials as Maryland's chief federal law enforcement officer and played a role in monitoring special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The spotlight on Hur comes after he released a report last month stating that no criminal charges were warranted in Biden's handling of classified documents after he left the vice presidency. However, Hur's report drew criticism for suggesting that Biden's age and memory issues might influence his defense if brought to trial. Democrats condemned these remarks, asserting that they could aid Republican efforts to challenge Biden in the 2024 elections.

Furthermore, some raised concerns over Hur's decision to accept an invitation to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, led by Rep. Jim Jordan, a known Trump loyalist. This raised questions about whether Hur's appearance might be used to further political agendas.

However, Hur's report also highlighted the seriousness of allegations against Trump, who is accused of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort and obstructing justice. Unlike Biden, Trump is alleged to have enlisted others to destroy evidence and lie about it. Hur's report underscored the stark contrast between the two cases.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, who handpicked Hur to lead the Biden investigation, recognized his ability to make nonpartisan law enforcement decisions despite his Republican affiliation. Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who supervised Hur, attested to his composure and nonpartisan approach to cases.

Hur's career has been marked by various high-profile legal decisions. As the top aide to Rosenstein in the Department of Justice during the Trump administration, Hur played a key role in overseeing day-to-day operations and tracking the progress of Mueller's investigation.

Critics pointed to a 2017 press conference where Hur, alongside then-Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan, addressed the issue of the violent MS-13 street gang from the White House briefing room. Some viewed this move as an ethical violation and raised concerns about the department's independence.

Hur's previous notable cases include the prosecution of former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, a Democrat, for conspiracy and tax evasion charges. He also played a role in prosecuting Coast Guard Lieutenant Christopher Hasson, who was accused of planning politically motivated killings.

In addition to his government work, Hur joined the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher after leaving the U.S. attorney's office. He recently defended the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell in a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual misconduct and a hostile work environment.

Hur's appearance before the congressional committee promises to be a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents. As both sides prepare to question him, the focus remains on Hur's ability to maintain objectivity and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.