Special counsel David Weiss, who has been leading a federal investigation into Hunter Biden for over five years, appeared before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to provide answers regarding the probe. Weiss, accompanied by his spokesman Wyn Hornbuckle, voluntarily testified before the committee, asserting his authority in the investigation and addressing concerns raised by congressional Republicans.

During the hearing, Weiss reiterated that he has full authority over the investigation and is prepared to bring charges in any jurisdiction once the probe is concluded. However, he emphasized that he could not discuss the specifics of the investigation due to department policy and legal restrictions. Weiss also confirmed that he will prepare a comprehensive report at the conclusion of the matter, which Attorney General Merrick Garland has committed to making public to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The appearance of Weiss before the House Judiciary Committee comes after months of Republican inquiries into the extent of his authority and potential interference from President Biden's Justice Department. Two IRS whistleblowers, Special Supervisory Agent Gary Shapley and Special Agent Joseph Ziegler, previously testified before the House Oversight and Ways and Means Committees, alleging that the investigation into Hunter Biden's financial dealings was "slow-walked."

Furthermore, it was revealed that US attorneys appointed by President Biden for Washington, DC, and Los Angeles declined to assist in bringing charges. However, Weiss and Attorney General Garland argued that the Delaware US attorney had ultimate authority in the case. The whistleblowers and other officials testified that Weiss needed to collaborate with prosecutors from other jurisdictions and obtain final sign-off on charges from the DOJ's Tax Division.

Additionally, the whistleblowers claimed that Weiss' team in Delaware obstructed certain investigative steps related to the tax fraud case against Hunter Biden and discouraged lines of inquiry that could implicate the president. These revelations raised concerns about a plea deal that Hunter Biden received on June 20, which involved probation for two misdemeanor tax crimes and a diversion agreement related to his false statements on a federal gun purchase form.

However, this plea deal faced scrutiny in federal court on July 26, when US District Judge Maryellen Noreika questioned prosecutors and Hunter Biden's defense team about a provision in the diversion agreement that would have provided the first son with immunity against charges related to his overseas business dealings. The judge pressed for clarity on potential charges related to money laundering and violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Amidst these developments, Attorney General Garland elevated Weiss to the position of special counsel on August 11, removing the tax indictment in Delaware. It is anticipated that Weiss will bring further charges in another jurisdiction, as the investigation continues to unfold. Notably, Hunter Biden was also charged with three counts of illegal possession and false statements regarding a firearm purchase.

The hearing also touched upon allegations made by former business partner Devon Archer, who testified before the House Oversight Committee, asserting that Hunter Biden frequently involved his father in business matters. These allegations raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and influenced US policy towards Ukraine, particularly when it came to the energy company Burisma Holdings.

Senator Chuck Grassley previously released a confidential FBI informant file that suggested Burisma's owner paid a bribe to Hunter and Joe Biden to suppress an investigation into the company. The house investigation also revealed bank records indicating financial transactions between Hunter Biden and Chinese associates.

In response to these findings and allegations, House Republicans initiated an impeachment inquiry on September 12, seeking to determine if Joe Biden abused his authority as vice president or president, violated the public's trust, or obstructed the investigation into his son.

As the House Judiciary Committee continues its inquiry into the Hunter Biden investigation, David Weiss's appearance provided some insight into the operation and scope of the ongoing probe. Democrats and Republicans on the committee engaged in rigorous questioning, seeking to shed light on the complex investigation that has gained significant attention in recent years. The committee aims to ensure transparency and determine the true extent of any potential wrongdoing involving Hunter Biden and any subsequent implications for President Joe Biden.