In a bold move, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, has pledged to take action to vote for the arrest of Attorney General Merrick Garland if the Department of Justice (DOJ) fails to address a criminal contempt resolution supported by House GOP leaders.
Luna, speaking exclusively to Fox News [1], asserted her intention to bring forth a vote on her “inherent contempt” resolution against Garland once the full House of Representatives has considered a separate measure on the fate of the Biden official.
“We fully intend to bring it,” Luna declared. “I don’t really have much faith in the Department of Justice. And I don’t think the American people do either. But we are trying to bring back a level playing field and show that, you know, there should be accountability all the way up to the top.”
It is important to distinguish inherent contempt from the impending vote on the contempt resolution, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday afternoon. While the latter would refer Garland to his own department for criminal charges, the passage of the inherent contempt resolution would authorize the House sergeant at arms to personally apprehend Garland.
Luna disclosed that on Wednesday she will be sharing a letter with her colleagues explaining the concept of inherent contempt and its necessity.
“Inherent contempt of Congress hasn’t been done since early 1900s. And before that, it was a pretty common practice,,” Luna clarified. “I think that when you explain to people what inherent contempt of Congress is and when they see that subpoenas are being ignored, and that there seems to be a two-tiered justice system – which we’re seeing nationally, every single person…is realizing that – I think that they will understand.”
Luna can compel House leaders to consider her bill by designating it as “privileged,” making it mandatory for the House to act on it within two legislative days.
Responding to queries about her course of action if the Wednesday vote is postponed or canceled due to concerns from moderate Republicans, Luna expressed her willingness to adhere to the leadership’s schedule.
“I’m gonna wait for the vote to happen the way that leadership wants it to happen with the criminal contempt. And then after that, that’ll start the clock on our stuff,” Luna confirmed.
House Republicans aim to hold Garland in contempt for refusing to release audio recordings of special counsel Robert Hur’s interviews with President Biden.
Although a majority of Republicans support this move, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, faces a meager margin of just two votes, leaving little room for maneuvering.