The vote count for holding Merrick Garland in contempt was 216 to 207 in favor of holding him in contempt of Congress. This decision was made by the Republican-led House of Representatives 11. The vote came after Garland refused to turn over the audio recording of an interview between President Joe Biden and Special Counsel Robert Hur, which led to the House taking action against him 7.
The contempt of Congress resolution was a significant step taken by the House of Representatives against Attorney General Garland for his refusal to provide the requested audio documents, escalating tensions between the legislative and executive branches of the government 21. This vote was part of ongoing efforts by House Republicans to hold Garland accountable for his actions regarding the audio recordings, marking a contentious moment in the relationship between Congress and the Department of Justice 15.
The vote count of 216 to 207 highlights the narrow margin by which the decision was made, indicating a close and closely contested outcome in the House of Representatives 3. This vote underscored the importance of congressional oversight and the accountability of government officials, setting a precedent for future interactions between the branches of government 3.
What other actions have led to Congress holding officials in contempt?
Various actions have led to Congress holding officials in contempt throughout history. For example, in 2014, the House of Representatives voted to hold former IRS official Lois G. Lerner in contempt of Congress for her involvement in the IRS targeting controversy 26. Similarly, in 2012, Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt of Congress 31 due to the "Fast and Furious" gun-walking scandal.
Furthermore, there have been recent instances where Members of Congress have introduced resolutions recommending holding government officials in contempt. For example, a resolution was released recommending holding FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress 25. Additionally, there was a resolution recommending holding Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena 24.
Vote Count for Holding Merrick Garland in Contempt
The recent vote count for holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress was in favor of the resolution. The House Republicans voted to hold Garland in contempt, citing the withholding of certain documents related to the Trump-Russia investigation 29. Specifically, officials provided only some of the requested records, omitting key information, which led to the contempt vote. Unfortunately, the exact number of votes in favor of the resolution is not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
In summary, the actions that have led to Congress holding officials in contempt vary from past controversies to recent refusals to comply with subpoenas, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in government proceedings.
What is the process of holding someone in contempt of Congress?
The process of holding someone in contempt of Congress involves a series of steps that are outlined in the legal system. When a person is summoned by either house of Congress to provide testimony or produce documents related to an inquiry and they willfully fail to comply, they can be deemed in contempt 32. The House or Senate can then vote by a simple majority to hold the individual in contempt on either criminal or civil charges 38.
Recent Instances of Contempt Proceedings
Recent examples of individuals facing contempt of Congress include Attorney General Merrick Garland, where House Republicans voted to hold him in contempt 34. Similarly, there were efforts to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress 36. These cases demonstrate the application of the contempt process in response to individuals not complying with Congressional requests.
Vote Count for Holding Merrick Garland in Contempt
In the specific case of Merrick Garland, the House GOP voted to hold him in contempt, although the exact vote count may vary. It is important to refer to the specific news sources for the precise details on the vote count when Merrick Garland was held in contempt 34.
By understanding the process and recent examples of contempt proceedings, you can gain insight into how Congress enforces its authority and the consequences individuals may face for non-compliance.
What are the consequences of being held in contempt by Congress?
When an individual is held in contempt by Congress, there are several consequences that may follow. These consequences can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the actions taken:
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Fines: If an individual is prosecuted and convicted for contempt of Congress, they may face fines. According to [The Hill] 40, violations of criminal contempt of Congress laws can result in fines of up to a specified amount.
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Court Action: Despite being held in contempt, the enforcement of consequences by courts can be a challenging process. [PBS NewsHour] 41 notes that courts are often reluctant to enforce contempt of Congress charges against executive branch officials, which may impact the actual consequences faced by the individual.
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Criminal Charges: In some cases, being held in contempt by Congress may result in criminal charges. For example, in the case of Stephen K. Bannon, he was found guilty of two counts of contempt of Congress, leading to criminal consequences as reported by the [Department of Justice] 44.
What was the vote count for holding Merrick Garland in contempt?
The House of Representatives voted to find U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for defying a lawful subpoena. The vote count was not explicitly mentioned in the sources available, but the decision to hold Garland in contempt was announced by Rep. Comer as reported by the [House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform] 42.
How does the contempt of Congress affect the political landscape?
Contempt of Congress, a power granted to Congress to punish behavior that defies its authority, can have significant implications on the political landscape. When politicians or officials are held in contempt, it can lead to legal proceedings, tarnish reputations, and impact public perception.
In recent events, there have been instances where individuals such as Hunter Biden and Peter Navarro faced contempt charges. For example, Republicans pushed ahead with holding Hunter Biden in contempt, but later paused the effort as they engaged in discussions with his attorneys 48 50. This back-and-forth illustrates how the threat or action of contempt can shape political strategies and negotiations.
Moreover, the contempt process can also be a tool for political maneuvering and power plays. For instance, Representative Jim Jordan's threat towards Fani Willis with contempt if she didn't comply with a subpoena highlights how contempt can be used as leverage in political proceedings 52.
Overall, contempt of Congress can impact the political landscape by influencing legal battles, shaping public opinion, and serving as a strategic tool in political confrontations. By understanding the implications of contempt proceedings, individuals and politicians can navigate the complex intersection of law and politics more effectively.
What was the vote count for holding Merrick Garland in contempt?
Unfortunately, I couldn't locate specific information regarding the vote count for holding Merrick Garland in contempt. For detailed records of such proceedings, it is advisable to refer to official congressional reports or news outlets
Oct 21, 2021 ... El fiscal general de Estados Unidos, Merrick Garland, indicó este jueves que el Departamento de Justicia revisará cualquier documento que se ...