Members of Congress took to the floor to vote whether to hold former President Donald Trump’s close ally Steve Bannon in criminal contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the committee investigating the deadly January 6 insurrection. One would think that it would be a quick decision since there are legal consequences for defying a subpoena, but these are polarizing times. However, nine Republicans did vote to hold Bannon in contempt. And now, this will be referred to the Department of Justice, which would then have to decide whether to prosecute, according to CNN.
“Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday said the Justice Department would review any referral, but at a House Judiciary Committee hearing, he did not say what the DOJ decision would be,” the outlet reports.
“The Department of Justice will do what it always does in such circumstances, we’ll apply the facts and the law and make a decision, consistent with the principles of prosecution,” Garland said.
Bannon tried to claim executive privilege as to why he doesn’t have to comply; however, the House committee investigating the January 6 attack sent him a letter on Friday rejecting his argument, particularly as it relates to his communications with individuals other than former President Donald Trump, according to a copy obtained by CNN.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Nine House Republicans joined all Democrats to hold Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress.
NEW: House passes Bannon contempt resolution 229-202.
9 Republicans voted with Democrats to pass it: Cheney, Kinzinger, Herrera Beutler, Mace, Meijer, Gonzalez (Ohio), Upton, Katko, Fitzpatrick
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) October 21, 2021
Bannon could be used as an example since any individual found liable for contempt of Congress may result in a fine and between one and 12 months imprisonment. But this process is rarely invoked and rarely leads to jail time. However, we’ve never had a sitting president try to overturn an election simply because his narcissistic brain cannot admit he was defeated over eleven months ago. Trump, of course, is going to target the nine Republicans. Although, he already has Cheney in his crosshairs. The only Republican that didn’t vote was Greg Pence.
Featured image via Gage Skidmore/Flickr, under Creative Commons license 2.0
