Republicans in the House of Representatives failed to pass an “inherent contempt” resolution that would fine Attorney General Merrick Garland $10,000 a day for failing to comply with a congressional subpoena. The vote was 210-204. Four Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the resolution. Nineteen congressmen didn’t vote — 12 Republicans and 7 Democrats.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated, “We expected it to pass, but we’ve been very aggressive on enforcing the subpoena against Merrick Garland and seeking to hold him accountable…. We are using every tool in the arsenal to ensure that he follows the law and that we can complete our constitutional responsibility.”
Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said the resolution failed due to Republican absences. She expects it to pass in a couple of weeks when Congress is back in session and members return:
Today’s vote on my inherent contempt resolution and the legislative appropriations did not pass due to Republican absences. [Brian] Mast and [Thomas Massie] had deaths in their family. Another member went to hospital. An overwhelming majority of the party supports this resolution and it already survived multiple kill-shot attempts by Democrats. Our efforts have not been futile, and I thank all the Members who have been fighting alongside me to restore justice and order in our institutions. I have refiled the resolution and will be calling it up again in a couple of weeks when Congress is back in session and Members return. I am also working with a no vote as the institution needs to be protected. Attorney General Merrick Garland will pay and be held accountable for trying to undermine our institutions. No one is above the law.
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