House Oversight Committee Chairman, James Comer, has announced plans to release the transcript of Hunter Biden's deposition later this month. Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, has also stated that a public hearing will be scheduled for President Biden's son after the closed-door testimony. Comer has emphasized that this investigation aims to be the "most transparent major congressional investigation in history."

Earlier this month, Comer subpoenaed Hunter Biden for a deposition, which is slated to take place on December 13. However, Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, has proposed a public hearing instead, where his client can directly answer questions and provide testimony to the American people.

Criticism has been directed at Comer and House Republicans from Democrats, who claim that denying the offer for a public hearing showcases a weak case against Hunter Biden amid the ongoing impeachment inquiry against President Biden. Comer, in response, dismissed these accusations, pointing to previous instances where Democrats peddled inaccurate narratives, such as the case of Hunter Biden's laptop being a product of Russian disinformation.

Comer emphasized the transparent nature of the investigation, stating that the transcripts of Hunter Biden's deposition will be released unless they contain classified information. He also highlighted the accumulation of tens of thousands of pages of documents and the extensive list of questions that the committee plans to ask Hunter Biden. Comer argued that a public hearing would not be an efficient setting to address all of the inquiries, as limited time constraints would allow for only a fraction of the questions to be answered.

Comer disputed the Democratic double standard, pointing out that depositions were utilized in the January 6 investigation, and public hearings featured films of those depositions. He emphasized that the deposition of the key witness, Hunter Biden, follows the standard procedure of investigations, both congressional and criminal.

The top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin, criticized Comer's denial of Hunter Biden's request for a public hearing, calling it an "epic humiliation." Raskin claimed that the refusal indicated a lack of interest in the facts and a lack of confidence in their case. However, former House Oversight Committee Chairman, Jason Chaffetz, asserted that conducting a transcribed interview or deposition before a public hearing is normal and customary within serious investigations.

Chaffetz further stated that the Bidens do not have the authority to determine how the House of Representatives conducts its investigations. He explained that a deposition allows for a more thorough and comprehensive investigation, and that Hunter Biden's team may prefer a public hearing as it is easier to navigate and control the testimony.

Lowell, Hunter Biden's attorney, accused Comer and Republicans of manipulating and distorting facts during closed-door sessions, proposing that "light shine on the proceedings" through a public hearing. Nonetheless, Chaffetz argued that Democrats find themselves in a precarious position as they set the standards for such proceedings.

In summary, Chairman Comer intends to release the transcript of Hunter Biden's deposition and has plans to schedule a public hearing afterward. The ongoing investigation into the Biden family's business dealings is seen by Comer as a credible and serious investigation into public corruption.