Hunter Biden’s attorney testifies before House panel

The federal prosecutor handling the criminal case against Hunter Biden testified behind closed doors Tuesday before the Republican-led party. House Judiciary Committee in a procedure that Democratic members called unnecessary.

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, Democrat of Pennsylvania, called the interview with special counsel David Weiss a “farce” and an “absolute waste of time,” according to NBC News.

Weiss was called to testify before the Judiciary Committee about his authority to make charging decisions in its criminal investigation of Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden.

The special prosecutor, who also serves as the U.S. Attorney for Delaware, indicted Hunter Biden earlier this year on criminal charges related to possessing a handgun while a drug user and failure to pay the federal income tax. Hunter Biden, 53, has pleaded not guilty in the cases.

Republicans question whether Weiss’ investigation and charging decisions were hamstrung by political considerations within the Justice Department, whose head, Attorney General Merrick Garland, was appointed by the Democratic president.

Weiss’ appearance was the first time the special counsel was questioned by a congressional panel in the midst of a criminal investigation.

Rep. Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat, told reporters that Weiss confirmed he had the authority to indict Hunter Biden and was granted expanded special counsel powers shortly after he asked.

“Mr. Weiss has just confirmed the fact that he has the ultimate independent authority to impose whatever charges he deems appropriate,” Goldman said.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.