House Republicans have called for White House records to investigate President Joe Biden’s potential connection to what they term a “conspiracy to obstruct” the impeachment inquiry involving his son, Hunter Biden. The move comes after White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggested that the President was aware of his son’s decision not to testify before the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on December 13.

Amid Hunter Biden’s refusal to comply with subpoenas from the House panels, Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden was “certainly familiar with what his son was going to say.” This statement has prompted Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to explore the President’s involvement in his son’s actions.

In a letter addressed to White House Counsel Ed Siskel, Comer and Jordan wrote, “[W]e are compelled to examine as part of our impeachment inquiry whether the President engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding of Congress.” Citing relevant sections of the criminal code, they raised concerns about potential unlawful efforts to influence, obstruct, or impede the inquiry.

The Republicans have requested that the White House provide documents by January 10 related to communications regarding Hunter Biden’s deposition subpoenas. Additionally, they seek documents pertaining to President Biden’s public assertion on December 6 that he had not interacted with Hunter or James Biden’s foreign associates—a claim contradicted by evidence.

The chairmen argue that there is substantial evidence indicating Hunter Biden’s improper inclusion of his father in business endeavors. They also contend that President Biden made false claims about his knowledge and involvement in these schemes. The letter notes discrepancies between the President’s statements and evidence suggesting interactions with Hunter’s foreign business partners.

“In light of this evidence, the fact that the President had advanced awareness that Mr. Biden would defy the Committees’ subpoenas raises a troubling new question that we must examine: whether the President corruptly sought to influence or obstruct the Committees’ proceeding,” the letter states.

The impeachment inquiry, launched on September 12, garnered retroactive authorization from a party-line House vote. Republicans allege potential charges such as abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, accusing President Biden of using his influence as vice president for the benefit of Hunter and James Biden’s ventures abroad.

While President Biden could become the fourth president in U.S. history to be impeached, the Democrat-led Senate is likely to acquit him. Republicans continue to press for testimony and documents, asserting the need for a thorough examination of the Biden family’s foreign dealings. The inquiry includes interactions with associates from China, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine during Biden’s vice presidency and afterward.