Should Barr and McGahn be held in contempt of Congress?
Bill Summary
This resolution states that the chair of a standing and permanent select committee can start or intervene in judicial proceedings before a Federal court to seek declaratory judgements and ancillary relief. The bill also allows the chair to affirm the duty of people to comply with subpoenas (specifically Attorney General William Barr and former White House Counsel Donald McGahn) and petition to have information related to the subpoenas disclosed.
Sponsor: Rep. James McGovern (Democrat, Massachusetts, District 2)
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Opponents say
• “The resolution takes power away from the 435 members of the House by giving only five members a vote for whether a chairman can sue to enforce subpoenas” - Rep. Doug Collins (Republican, Georgia, District 9)
• “Nadler's actions have prematurely terminated the accommodation process and forced the President to assert executive privilege to preserve the status quo” - Kerri Kupec, Justice Department Spokeswoman
• “Nadler's actions have prematurely terminated the accommodation process and forced the President to assert executive privilege to preserve the status quo” - Kerri Kupec, Justice Department Spokeswoman
Proponents say
• “We will not allow this president and his administration to turn a blind eye to the rule of law… This resolution will allow Congress to hold the president accountable while the Democratic majority continues delivering on issues like health care and jobs.” - Rep. James McGovern (Democrat, Massachusetts, District 2)
• “[H. Res. 430] authorizes House Committees that have issued subpoenas as part of their oversight and investigation responsibilities to seek civil enforcement of those subpoenas when they are ignored… [The resolution is needed because of] systematic refusal to provide Congress with answers and cooperate with Congressional subpoenas is the biggest cover-up in American history, and Congress has a responsibility to provide oversight on behalf of the American people.” - Rep. Steny Hoyer (Democrat, Maryland, District 5)
• “[H. Res. 430] authorizes House Committees that have issued subpoenas as part of their oversight and investigation responsibilities to seek civil enforcement of those subpoenas when they are ignored… [The resolution is needed because of] systematic refusal to provide Congress with answers and cooperate with Congressional subpoenas is the biggest cover-up in American history, and Congress has a responsibility to provide oversight on behalf of the American people.” - Rep. Steny Hoyer (Democrat, Maryland, District 5)
- House Sets Vote to Hold Barr in Contempt of Congress (NBC News)
- House Plans Vote to Fight Barr in Court but Back Off Contempt (New York Times)
- The Full House Vote on Contempt of Congress and What it Means for Barr, Explained (Vox)
- House Democrats Officially Introduce Contempt Resolution for Barr, McGahn (The Hill)
