of justice said that subpoenas that are issued before the commencement of a formal inquiry, which is the same thing we have here with hunter, are not valid. so i do think that there's some legal arguments, but in a sign that hunter recognizes that it's not a for sure thing, he and his counsel have offered to continue negotiating because of that exact reason you identify, house republicans can just issue a new subpoena. >> so republicans, though, they're still planning, as you said, a full house vote this week on contempt charges against hunter biden. that resolution passed out of the committees on wednesday. if the vote passes the full house, how do you expect the department of justice to respond? will federal prosecutors pursue a criminal case? >> well, they'll wrestle with the issues here. it's not clear that they will pursue a federal case. remember, the former chief of