Outrage as Merrick Garland contempt vote on shaky ground after GOP lawmakers skeptical about backing move

WASHINGTON, DC: In an anticipated vote, almost six Republican members had doubts about supporting the motion to censure Attorney General Merrick Garland, raising the possibility that the vote to hold him in contempt of Congress may be doomed, reports The Hill.

At least five GOP members have stated that they would not support a resolution calling for the attorney general to be held in contempt, according to two people familiar with internal discussions. Some members have reportedly shown reluctance to cast ballots.

Merrick Garland contempt vote set to hit floor despite GOP reservations

Despite the party's razor-thin margins, a bill may be defeated with just two GOP defections, even though no Republicans have openly stated they will vote against the package. The resolution will be discussed on the House floor as a whole after the House Rules Committee gave its approval on June 11. Moreover, the Garland resolution was approved by the House Judiciary and Oversight committees, but House leadership postponed a vote on it for over a month.

Even after Republicans pledged to increase their monitoring of the Justice Department in the wake of the unrelated state-level prosecution of former President Trump, the proposal has continued to boil.

Jim Jordan, the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, was conspicuously missing from House Rules Committee's hearing over the issue, but he made an effort to convey confidence as he steered clear of addressing whether the GOP had the necessary votes. Jordan informed reporters, "I think we do, but you have to check with the whip."

The action was taken in response to subpoenaing audio of President Joe Biden's interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur by both committees. A transcript of the exchange is already available at the panels. The Justice Department has said that making the tape available may discourage those who don't want their talks with Congress to be disclosed from cooperating in future probes.

Biden has asserted executive privilege over the tape, which essentially gives Garland legal cover because the claim is widely regarded as precluding any prosecution over the protected information. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Garret Graves stated they were unsure about their votes on the issue.

During the hearing, Michael Burgess, the Republican chairman of the House Rules Committee, stated that Garland "has refused to comply. He has left us with no choice but to pursue contempt charges to preserve the spirit of congressional oversight and to safeguard our delicate system of checks and balances."

Internet slams Merrick Garland as contempt vote set to hit floor 

Several internet users slammed Merrick Garland as six Republican members had doubts about supporting the motion to censure him, raising the possibility that the vote to hold him in contempt of Congress may be doomed.

A user wrote on X, "Merrick Garland is a corrupt AG!" while one added, "Impeach. Charge. Convict."

A person also stated, "This will fail, it's pointless anyway he's covered by executive privilege" whereas one mentioned, "They can all go to hell as can Trump. This country doomed right now if Trump wins."

A user added, "Contempt of Congress? That will mean prison time like Bannon, right?"

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.