Washington, D.C. — House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has announced criminal referrals to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for Hunter Biden, James Biden, and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The referrals allege that these individuals provided false statements to Congress during investigations conducted by the committee.
In June 2024, Chairman Comer, along with Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.), submitted criminal referrals for Hunter Biden and James Biden. The referrals assert that both individuals made false statements during depositions related to the impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden.
Specifically, the committees allege that Hunter Biden misrepresented his role in certain business ventures and communications with foreign entities. James Biden is accused of denying that President Biden met with a family business associate, a claim contradicted by other testimonies and evidence. These referrals were part of a broader investigation into alleged influence-peddling by the Biden family.
In April 2025, Chairman Comer resubmitted a criminal referral for former Governor Andrew Cuomo, recommending prosecution for allegedly making false statements to Congress regarding New York’s handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes. The referral contends that Cuomo knowingly contributed to a July 2020 report that significantly underreported nursing home deaths and later denied involvement during congressional testimony, as reported.
Cuomo’s spokesperson has dismissed the referral as politically motivated, emphasizing that previous investigations did not result in charges. The DOJ has not issued a statement regarding this referral.
These referrals come amid ongoing debates over the use of congressional investigations and the impartiality of the justice system. Chairman Comer has stated that the referrals are necessary to uphold accountability and the rule of law. Critics argue that the actions are politically driven, especially given the timing and the individuals involved.
The DOJ’s response to these referrals remains to be seen, and the developments continue to be a focal point in discussions about political accountability and justice.