Congress Considers Inherent Contempt for Garland Over Audio Tape Withholding

Attorney General Merrick Garland faces possible contempt of Congress charges after House committees voted to hold him in contempt for not providing an audiotape of an interview between Special Counsel Robert Hur and President Biden. Republicans believe the recording could reveal cognitive decline in the president, while Garland maintains the transcript is accurate. If the full House votes in favor of contempt, it is uncertain whether the Justice Department would prosecute Garland. However, Republicans are considering inherent contempt, which allows Congress to discipline individuals without relying on other branches of government. This has not been used since 1934 and could lead to the arrest and detention of Garland.

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