WASHINGTON President Joe Biden s son made a surprise appearance Wednesday at a House Oversight Committee hearing where Republicans approved a resolution holding him in contempt of Congress.

Hunter Bidens arrival served as a reminder that he has offered to testify in response to Republicans subpoena for his testimony but only in public.

Republicans have insisted he speak in a private deposition and are holding him in contempt because of his refusal. If approved by the full House, the contempt resolution would result in a request for the Justice Department to press charges.

Both the House Oversight Committee and the House Judiciary Committee approved the contempt resolution Wednesday. Its not clear how soon the resolution could see a vote on the chamber floor.

Bidens brief appearance threw the oversight committee meeting into early chaos, and even after he left the proceedings repeatedly broke down or went off topic as lawmakers interrupted each other, debated the meaning of white privilege and argued over the use of revenge porn in the hearing room.

Biden arrived as the committees top members made their opening statements. He sat in the audience, behind the witness table, occasionally smirking as Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) mocked him and said he belonged in jail.

Who bribed Hunter Biden to be here today? Mace said. You are the epitome of white privilege, coming to the Oversight Committee, spitting in our face, ignoring a congressional subpoena to be deposed what are you afraid of?

Before being interrupted, Mace told Biden, You have no balls.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) noted that Bidens appearance in the room seemed contrary to Maces statement.

Hes here. Doesnt seem to be too afraid, Moskowitz said. The only folks that are afraid to hear from the witness, with the American people watching, are my friends on the other side of the aisle.