House Republicans are taking steps to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for not providing audio recordings of special counsel Robert Hur's interviews with President Joe Biden. The House Oversight and Judiciary committees are set to hold markups on reports recommending a contempt resolution against Garland for defying a congressional subpoena. If approved by the committees, the resolutions will proceed to a full House vote.
Following the closure of Hur's investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents, Republicans subpoenaed the Department of Justice for various materials, including the audio recordings of interviews with Biden and his ghostwriter. Despite no charges being filed against the president, Republicans are focusing on Hur's characterization of Biden as an elderly man with memory issues.
The Department of Justice has provided most of the requested documents, including interview transcripts, but has refused to release the audio recordings. Republicans argue that the verbal nuances captured in the recordings offer unique insights not found in transcripts and are crucial for their impeachment inquiry into Biden.
DOJ has cited privacy concerns and potential impact on future witness cooperation as reasons for withholding the audio files. Republicans maintain that the recordings reveal important context such as tone, pauses, and inflections that can indicate a witness's credibility.
Amidst the standoff, DOJ Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte has questioned the necessity of the audio files, suggesting that the transcripts adequately address Republican concerns. Republicans, however, insist that the recordings are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the interviews.
The House Oversight Committee delayed its markup to accommodate Republican members attending former President Donald Trump's trial in New York City. The ongoing dispute underscores the broader political tensions surrounding the Biden administration and the role of Congress in oversight and impeachment proceedings.
