House GOP demands Biden's doctor, advisers testify on his health

• Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said Wednesday he will launch a parallel investigation into Biden's health, Axios' Stef Kight first reported.

Driving the news: House Oversight Committee chair James Comer (R-Ky.) sent letters to Biden's personal physician, Kevin O'Connor, and former White House officials Neera Tanden, Anthony Bernal, Annie Tomasini and Ashley Williams seeking testimony.

• In the letter to O'Connor, Comer cited his February 2024 assessment that Biden was "robust" and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency," as well as Axios reporting about Biden's cognitive struggles.
• "The Committee seeks information to ensure accurate information was provided to the American people and your health reports were not subject to any improper influence," Comer wrote.
• In letters to aides, Comer questioned "who made key decisions and exercised the powers of the executive branch during the Biden Administration."

Between the lines: Republicans have tried to make Biden's age a fruitful area of inquiry since 2023, but they see the flurry of events around Biden in recent weeks as providing a new opening.

• Comer previously sought testimony from Bernal, Tomasini and Williams in October 2023, though his requests to O'Connor and Tanden, the former director of Biden's Domestic Policy Council, are new.
• Comer also fought for the release of the audio of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interview with Biden after the publication of his report last year.

What to watch: Comer said he is seeking responses by May 29 and testimony scheduled between June 2 and 25.

• A spokesperson for Biden declined to comment.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.