WASHINGTON, D.C., (July 11, 2024) -- Today, U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) voted in favor of H.Res. 1344, which holds Attorney General Merrick Garland in inherent contempt of Congress for defying two congressional subpoenas.
“Holding someone in criminal contempt puts the Justice Department – which is controlled by Merrick Garland – in charge of taking action against the person,” said Rep. Burchett in debate remarks on the House floor. “By holding him in inherent contempt, we put the responsibility back in the hands of Congress.”
The bill failed 204 – 210.
BACKGROUND:
On June 12, 2024, the House of Representatives voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in criminal contempt of Congress for defying two congressional subpoenas from the House Committees on Judiciary and Oversight & Accountability. The subpoenas demanded the recordings of President Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur, who was investigating the president’s handling of classified documents.
There are three types of contempt of Congress: Criminal, civil, and inherent.
H.Res. 1344 would hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in inherent contempt of Congress and fine him $10,000 for each day he continues to defy the congressional subpoenas.
The full text of H.J.Res. 1344 can be found here.
Rep. Burchett’s remarks on the House floor on the bill can be found here.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/burchett-votes-bill-hold-attorney-general-inherent-contempt