Below is a transcription of an interview with Representative Mike Turner, chair of the Republican House Intelligence Committee, that recently aired on “Face the Nation” on August 13, 2023.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Ohio Congressman Mike Turner, the Republican chairman of the Intelligence Committee. Welcome back to the studio, it’s great to have you here. I’d like to begin with some questions regarding national security, but before we do that, I’d like to discuss your role on the House Oversight Committee, which is currently investigating Hunter Biden, the president’s son. The committee has requested U.S. Attorney David Weiss, who now serves as Special Counsel, to testify. Do you have confidence in his ability to conduct a fair investigation?
REP. MIKE TURNER: Well, there are certainly concerns. Like Catherine Herridge, I also noted the narrow scope of Weiss’s appointment compared to what Attorney General Bill Barr had originally given him. The scope appears to be limited to the initial case brought before him, rather than covering all matters related to unpaid taxes. The concern here is that Weiss allowed the statute of limitations to expire on serious felony charges that could have been brought against Hunter Biden.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Why would he have done that?
REP. TURNER: According to the IRS whistleblower, there was interference from the Department of Justice that led to this situation. It raises questions of prosecutorial misconduct or even malpractice. When you’re tasked with handling explosive claims and you allow the statute of limitations to expire, it ultimately results in Hunter Biden keeping $125,000 in unpaid taxes that should have gone to the United States.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It’s puzzling that a U.S. attorney appointed by President Trump, working under a Republican attorney general, would deliberately allow the statute of limitations to pass.
REP. TURNER: These are questions that he needs to answer. Why did this happen? The IRS whistleblower states that interference from the Department of Justice caused the expiration. Weiss was previously working with Hunter Biden and his attorney to secure waivers for the limitations period, but at some point, he stopped obtaining the waivers. This suggests that he was aware of the impending expiration. Additionally, James Comer’s release of bank records reveals that foreign sources have provided over $20 million to Hunter Biden, his family, and business associates.
MARGARET BRENNAN: While these are allegations, the bank records serve as evidence for this claim.
REP. TURNER: Exactly, these are not baseless allegations. The bank records are available on the House Oversight Committee’s website, showing in excess of $20 million from China, Russia, and other foreign sources going to Hunter Biden. As a member of the Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, I find this deeply concerning. It seems clear that foreign individuals are paying for more than just business advice – they are purchasing influence.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The attorney representing Hunter Biden argues that no crime has been substantiated. But I’d like to shift gears and discuss Iran. Tensions are high, and the U.S. has deployed more Marines and ships to the region. The president has reached a tentative agreement with Iran to secure the release of five Americans. As the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, have you been briefed on the terms of this agreement?
REP. TURNER: We have yet to receive a briefing on the specific terms of the deal. The administration has indicated that the release of detainees is part of a larger negotiation involving Iran’s nuclear weapons and enrichment programs. However, there are concerns that this may be an informal deal without the same level of congressional oversight that was present in the previous JCPOA agreement. While we all want to see American detainees come home, it’s crucial that the administration handles this with transparency and ensures that Congress is fully informed.
MARGARET BRENNAN: It seems these initial steps are aimed at deescalating tensions. What is your stance on the administration’s efforts in this regard?
REP. TURNER: There haven’t been any concrete reports of Iran reducing its nuclear development. They are currently enriching at 60 percent, a significant increase from the three and a half percent allowed under the JCPOA. With their current progress, they are just weeks away from potentially attaining a weapon. Freezing them at their current level, without a comprehensive understanding of their program due to the absence of UN inspectors and removed cameras at the sites, is cause for concern.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, would you support broader negotiations to address Iran’s nuclear program?
REP. TURNER: Absolutely. Negotiations are crucial. However, it’s vital that the terms of the agreement are clear and subject to congressional oversight. In the past, the previous deal had to be disclosed to Congress for a vote. Our concern is that we don’t want a secret deal with Iran.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Finally, do you believe Congress should ban travel to Iran?
REP. TURNER: It’s certainly something that should be considered. We will soon have a family member of one of the detainees on the show, and I believe her message will shed light on the importance of this issue.
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