In a recent development, Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has offered to comply with any new subpoenas and testify in private before House Republicans who are pursuing an impeachment inquiry over allegations of corruption. The announcement was made by Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, in a letter to James Comer and Jim Jordan, the Republican chairs of the oversight and judiciary committees.

Lowell stated, "If you issue a new proper subpoena, now that there is a duly authorized impeachment inquiry, Mr. Biden will comply for a hearing or deposition." He also ensured that they would accept such a subpoena on Hunter Biden's behalf.

The Republicans have shown interest in exploring Hunter Biden's business dealings and his struggles with addiction. Additionally, Hunter Biden is facing criminal charges related to a gun purchase and his tax affairs, which carry maximum prison sentences of 25 and 17 years, respectively. Recently, during a court appearance in Los Angeles, he pleaded not guilty in both cases.

Previously, Hunter Biden had refused to comply with a congressional subpoena for private testimony and instead held a press conference on Capitol Hill, expressing his willingness to speak if the session were public.

The situation escalated on Wednesday when Comer held a hearing to discuss a resolution to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress, a charge that could lead to fines and jail time. The hearing was marked by chaos, with Hunter Biden and his attorney unexpectedly appearing in the audience, while Republicans and Democrats engaged in partisan exchanges. The resolution has now been sent to the full House for a vote, with the White House stating that President Joe Biden was unaware of his son's plan to attend the oversight hearing.

Abbe Lowell, who previously represented Jared Kushner during Democratic scrutiny, raised concerns about the legality of previous subpoenas for Hunter Biden and questioned why Republicans were not interested in a public hearing to ensure transparency.

In response to Lowell's letter, Comer and Jordan issued a joint statement accusing Hunter Biden of defying valid subpoenas and engaging in "stunts." They added that the House of Representatives will proceed with holding Hunter Biden in contempt until he confirms a date for a private deposition, in accordance with his legal obligation. They also emphasized that any further delays or "stunts" would not be tolerated.

The Republican Majority Leader, Steve Scalise, indicated that a contempt vote in the House is expected next week, asserting that Hunter Biden should not receive special treatment and must be held accountable.

Democrats on the House judiciary committee responded by criticizing the Republicans' focus on impeachment stunts, particularly when there is the imminent possibility of a government shutdown. They questioned the Republicans' efforts to improve the lives of the American people.

As the situation unfolds, the spotlight continues to be on Hunter Biden's involvement in the impeachment inquiry, and the decision on whether he will testify privately will undoubtedly play a significant role in the ongoing proceedings.