The upcoming session on Capitol Hill, scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 a.m., will see the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees delving into a resolution regarding Attorney General Merrick Garland’s potential contempt of Congress. This resolution stems from Garland’s failure to produce the subpoenaed audio recording of President Biden’s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur during the investigation into classified records.
Previously, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, representing Kentucky, and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, from Ohio, had issued warnings of holding Garland in contempt due to the Justice Department’s inability to furnish the requested audio recordings.
The Justice Department, in response, pointed out that while they had provided a transcript of Biden’s interview with the special counsel, they declined to hand over the audio recording, sparking further tension.
Comer emphasized Garland’s refusal to cooperate, citing the importance of these recordings to the investigation regarding Biden’s handling of classified documents and his suitability for the presidency.
Stressing the significance of compliance with congressional subpoenas, Comer reiterated the intention to pursue consequences for Garland’s non-compliance, indicating a potential move to hold him in contempt of Congress.
Special Counsel Hur, upon releasing his report to the public earlier, did not recommend criminal charges against Biden despite concerns over mishandling classified documents. However, the report’s characterization of Biden as an elderly man with memory issues has stirred controversy, particularly in light of his potential reelection bid in 2024.
Initially subpoenaed in March, Garland was given until April 8 to produce the audio recording, a deadline that has now passed without compliance.