In a surprising turn of events, Hunter Biden has agreed to sit for a deposition in the ongoing House impeachment inquiry into his father, Joe Biden. This decision comes as an attempt to avoid a potential vote to hold him in contempt of Congress, which could result in a minimum of 30 days imprisonment.

Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, submitted a letter to Congress stating that if a new proper subpoena is issued, Hunter will comply and participate in a hearing or deposition. This marks a significant shift in Hunter's stance, as previously his legal team and Democrats had argued that he couldn't testify publicly.

The House Judiciary and Oversight committees had voted separately earlier this week to hold Hunter in contempt after he failed to appear for his scheduled interview on December 13. This move had infuriated Republicans, who were eager to question Hunter about his involvement in his foreign business relationships and alleged ethical dilemmas.

The new communication from Hunter Biden's attorney raises the issue of the original subpoenas being flawed. According to the letter, the House had not yet formalized the impeachment inquiry when the subpoenas were issued in November. Despite this claim, the Oversight and Judiciary committees possess subpoena power independently.

Republicans have expressed their willingness to hold a public hearing with Hunter Biden, given his alleged involvement and influence in his father's activities. However, they have emphasized the importance of a closed-door deposition conducted by committee staffers to establish a factual record for the inquiry.

As the impeachment inquiry proceeds, both Democrats and Republicans have been engaged in contentious public hearings. Democrats have focused on highlighting alleged ethical dilemmas of former President Donald Trump and his family, while some Republican panelists have veered off-script with eccentric arguments.

It remains unclear whether Republicans will now shelve the contempt legislation following Hunter Biden's agreement to a deposition. The decision to prosecute the contempt of Congress charge would ultimately be made by President Biden's Justice Department appointees if the full House passes the sanction.

The House impeachment inquiry will continue to unfold, with Hunter Biden's forthcoming deposition potentially shedding new light on the allegations surrounding him and his father.