The U.S. Justice Department has refused House Republicans’ requests to give them audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interviews with Special Counsel Robert Hur, who investigated Biden’s handling of classified information.
Hur’s decision not to pursue charges against Biden for keeping classified records during his time as vice president under Barack Obama was criticized by Republicans. They pointed out that former President Donald Trump faced charges for similar actions after leaving office.
Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte emphasized that the department had already provided all information requested in a congressional subpoena, including transcripts of some interviews conducted by Hur.
In a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, Uriarte urged avoiding escalation and conflict.
House Republicans press (Via Hannah Smith/Shutterstock)
Comer reiterated the Republican-led committees’ commitment to obtaining the information they seek, stressing the importance of transparency.
House Republicans have warned of holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt if the department does not hand over all the requested records.
Hur’s decision in February not to charge Biden, citing cooperation and Biden’s “poor memory” due to age, sparked debate.
Uriarte argued that lawmakers have received substantial information from Hur’s investigation, including transcripts of interviews with Biden and his memoir ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer.
Despite pressure from Republicans, the Justice Department remains steadfast, stating it has provided extensive documentation related to the investigation into how Biden handled classified materials after leaving the vice presidency.
