During a late-night hearing, the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees voted to advance resolutions to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. The chaos that ensued during the hearing was described as beyond absolute, with heated exchanges and disruptions.
The contempt measure was approved due to Garland's refusal to hand over a recording of President Biden's interview with Special Counsel Robert Herr, who investigated the classified documents case. Herr's report revealed that President Biden had retained and disclosed classified materials but was not charged. The Special Counsel characterized Biden as a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.
President Biden has asserted executive privilege over the audio, a move supported by the Justice Department to shield the attorney general from criminal liability. The situation escalated during the House Oversight Committee hearing when Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green engaged in a heated exchange with Democrat Congresswomen Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.
The exchange included personal remarks and disruptions, leading to Chairman James Comer attempting to restore order. However, the situation spiraled further with unclear statements and continued disruptions, highlighting the intense atmosphere of the hearing.
The incident showcased the deep divide and tensions within the House committees, with members engaging in personal attacks and struggles to maintain decorum. The contempt resolution against Attorney General Garland reflects the ongoing disputes over access to information and executive privilege, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
