Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s proposed plan to take Attorney General Merrick Garland into custody for Contempt of Congress has drawn online mockery and criticism. Luna appeared on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo to outline her plan, which involves using a little-known provision last employed in the early 1900s. The Contempt of Congress resolution against Garland stems from his refusal to comply with a congressional subpoena demanding audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, who found insufficient evidence to bring charges against Biden.
Despite the Department of Justice’s refusal to prosecute Garland, Luna remains undeterred in her pursuit of enforcing the Contempt of Congress resolution. Luna plans to push for a vote on her resolution that would allow Congress to use the House Sergeant at Arms to apprehend Garland and seize the requested tapes. Luna’s unconventional approach has been met with criticism on social media, with individuals questioning her mental faculties and dismissing the feasibility of her plan. The White House has weighed in on the matter, denouncing Hur’s portrayal of Biden as inaccurate and inappropriate, citing the president’s cooperation with the investigation.
Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated the House’s intention to file a lawsuit seeking a judicial order compelling Garland to comply with the subpoenaed recordings. However, the Department of Justice argues that executive privilege justifies withholding the recordings, as lawmakers have already been provided with transcripts of the interview. Releasing the audio recordings could potentially jeopardize sensitive investigations in the future. Luna’s plan has reignited debates about congressional oversight, executive privilege, and the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Luna’s proposed plan raises questions about the limits of congressional oversight and the extent to which executive privilege can be invoked. Luna’s strategy, while unorthodox, has sparked discussions within the Republican Party and the broader political landscape about the use of historical provisions and the authority of Congress to enforce compliance. Whether Luna’s plan will gain traction within the party or fade into obscurity remains to be seen as the situation continues to unfold. Newsweek is tracking the developments and exploring the connections between the various perspectives in this political drama.
