WASHINGTON — In a significant development, James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee from Kentucky, formally requested on Sunday that Dr. Kevin O'Connor, President Joe Biden's physician, participate in a transcribed interview concerning Biden's medical evaluation.

Comer's letter to Dr. O'Connor, obtained by NBC News, delineated his concerns and sought clarification on various issues pertaining to Biden's health, as well as recent statements issued by the White House.

"For months, I have been at the forefront of efforts aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in assessing President Biden's fitness for office," Comer wrote. "Recent statements made by the President and his representatives have raised doubts about the consistency and clarity of information regarding his medical condition."

Comer referenced Biden's remark to ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos on Friday, where Biden stated, "I have a cognitive test every single day. Every day I have that test. Everything I do." Comer underscored this statement as a basis for seeking additional details from Dr. O'Connor.

The letter also highlighted conflicting reports from the White House concerning Biden's recent medical check-ups. Initially, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed reporters last Wednesday that Biden had not undergone any medical examinations since his routine February physical. However, Biden later informed a gathering of governors that he had indeed been examined by a doctor after a debate, indicating discrepancies in the information provided.

"The statements made by the White House Press Secretary and President Biden appear contradictory," Comer noted in his correspondence. "The Committee aims to clarify Dr. O'Connor's role and independence in providing accurate assessments of the President's health."

In addition to the interview request, Comer requested that Dr. O'Connor furnish documents and communications related to James Biden, the President's brother, and a company that Comer has been scrutinizing for potential financial connections to the Biden family.

Comer set a deadline of July 14 for Dr. O'Connor to coordinate with committee staff to schedule the interview and provide the requested documents.

In response to Comer's letter, White House spokesperson Ian Sams criticized the inquiry as unsubstantiated and reiterated the administration's position that Biden is fully capable of executing his presidential duties.

"Once again, Republicans are promoting discredited conspiracy theories in an attempt to gain political advantage," Sams stated. "There is no substance to their allegations, and this is merely another effort to divert attention from the real issues facing our nation."

Dr. Kevin O'Connor has served as Biden's physician since the early days of his presidency, having assumed the role during Biden's tenure as vice president in 2009. Following Biden's routine physical examination in February, Dr. O'Connor affirmed in his assessment that Biden "fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations."

Comer's request represents a continuation of Republican efforts to scrutinize Biden's health disclosures, reflecting broader concerns raised by opponents regarding presidential fitness and transparency.