House Oversight Committee Demands Access to Documents
The House Oversight Committee is demanding access to classified documents that President Joe Biden retained during his time as Vice President. The documents in question pertain to Ukraine and China, countries in which Biden’s family had business interests.
Records Implicate Sensitive Intelligence Sources
The classified documents include military and foreign policy records related to Afghanistan and other countries, as well as documents concerning national security and foreign policy. The keeping of these documents has raised concerns about the potential compromise of sensitive intelligence sources and methods.
Specific Documents Related to Ukraine
Regarding Ukraine, the special counsel’s report reveals that Biden kept a confidential memo from September 2014 titled “U.S. Energy Assistance to Ukraine.” The report also states that Biden had a green file folder labeled “Ukraine 2/19/15,” inside of which was a red file folder labeled “VP Personal.” This folder contained a telephone call sheet from December 12, 2015, and talking points for a call with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yatsenyuk.
In addition, a transcript documenting a call between Biden and Yatsenyuk on December 11, 2015, was found. The transcript was marked as “CONFIDENTIAL” and “EYES ONLY DO NOT COPY.” The report concludes that there is reasonable doubt as to whether Biden willfully retained these documents.
China-related Memo Retained by Biden
Regarding China, Biden retained a confidential memo titled “Engagement with China in the Second Term.” The memo suggests activities Biden could undertake during a potential second term as Vice President to build on his previous work in engaging with China’s leaders.
Calls for Unfettered Access to Documents
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is demanding unfettered access to these classified documents to investigate whether their retention was used to aid the Bidens’ business dealings. Comer is currently co-leading the impeachment inquiry against President Biden.
The investigation is focusing on Hunter Biden and James Biden’s business dealings in China, as well as whether Joe Biden had knowledge of or involvement in these ventures.
Allegations of Influence Peddling
Comer views the retention of these classified materials as concerning, particularly in light of the fact that Hunter Biden served on the board of Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings while Joe Biden was Vice President. The firing of Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who was investigating Burisma at the time, has raised allegations of influence peddling.
The Justice Department has been called upon to provide Congress with unrestricted access to the classified documents to determine whether President Biden’s retention of sensitive materials was used to aid the Bidens’ alleged influencing peddling schemes.
