Merrick Garland held in contempt of Congress for withholding Biden audio, referred for criminal charges at DoJ

The House of Representatives voted Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over recordings of Robert Hur's interview with Joe Biden
PUBLISHED JUN 13, 2024
US Attorney General Merrick Garland was voted in contempt of Congress on June 12, 2024 (Getty Images)
US Attorney General Merrick Garland was voted in contempt of Congress on June 12, 2024 (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: The House of Representatives voted US Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over audio recordings of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interview with President Joe Biden in his classified documents case.

According to Fox News, the measure passed with 216 to 207 votes, with Rep David Joyce (R-Ohio) being the only member of House GOP to vote against it.

In a statement after the vote, Joyce shared, "As a former prosecutor, I cannot in good conscience support a resolution that would further politicize our judicial system to score political points. The American people expect Congress to work for them, solve policy problems, and prioritize good governance. Enough is enough."

Garland has now been referred to the Department of Justice (DoJ) for criminal charges, where he holds the top position himself.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 22: Attorney General nominee Merrick Garland testifies during his confirma
AG Merrick Garland has been referred for criminal charges by Congress to the Justice Department, which he leads (Getty Images)

Statement from AG Merrick Garland

The DoJ released a statement from Garland after the vote, which read, "It is deeply disappointing that this House of Representatives has turned a serious congressional authority into a partisan weapon. Today’s vote disregards the constitutional separation of powers, the Justice Department’s need to protect its investigations, and the substantial amount of information we have provided to the Committees."

"I will always stand up for this Department, its employees, and its vital mission to defend our democracy," he added.

Garland is the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress, reported AP News, While it is unlikely that the DoJ will move forward to prosecute him, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the mostly symbolic effort.

"Look, we did our job on the contempt, and I think it sends an important message,” the Louisiana Republican said following the vote. “We’ll see what happens next, but, I mean, the House has to do its work and I’m pleased with the outcome today."

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 25: U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) watches as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) delivers remarks after Johnson was elected as the new Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol on October 25, 2023 in Washington, DC. After a contentious nominating period that has seen four candidates over a three-week period, Johnson was voted in to succeed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who was ousted on October 4 in a move led by a small group of conservative members of his own party. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Speaker Mike Johnson defended the contempt of House vote against AG Merrick Garland on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Internet claims vote has been for naught

"That’s laughable. Enjoy the skit," a user reacted to the news on the social media platform X.



 

"As per usual, nothing will come of it," wrote another.



 

"This goes nowhere," stated a third.



 

"Wasting time and taxpayer dollars again," jibed a fourth user.



 

"More nonsense from GOP Republicans!! Why don't they work on something that really matters??" inquired a fifth.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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