House Votes to Hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in Contempt

Garland testifies before House Judiciary Committee

Attorney General Merrick Garland testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday as part of its annual oversight hearing. The committee voted 220-202 along party lines to hold Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over audio recordings of President Joe Biden's conversations with Justice Department officials related to the investigation into the business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden.

Garland defends DOJ investigation

During his testimony, Garland defended the Justice Department's investigation, saying that it was "conducted in a fair and impartial manner" and that there was "no evidence whatsoever" of political interference.

Garland also said that he was "prohibited by law" from turning over the audio recordings to the committee, as they were part of an ongoing criminal investigation. He said that he would cooperate with the committee's investigation, but that he would not "provide any privileged information or provide any information that could compromise an ongoing criminal investigation."

Committee takes next steps

The committee is now expected to vote on a resolution to refer Garland to the full House for a contempt vote. If the House votes to hold Garland in contempt, he could face fines or imprisonment.

The vote comes amid ongoing tensions between the Biden administration and the Republican-controlled House. Republicans have accused Garland of not being transparent about the Justice Department's investigation into Hunter Biden, while Democrats have accused Republicans of using the investigation to score political points.