Representative Anna Paulina Luna's (R-FL) unwavering determination to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in inherent contempt of Congress was evident on Thursday. Despite the vote failing by six votes, with 210 against and 204 in favor, the Florida Congresswoman is not deterred. She immediately filed a new resolution, emphasizing that the failure was due to the absence of House Republicans, and she is not giving up on her mission.
It's crucial to reiterate that Rep. Luna's resolution to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in inherent contempt of Congress is a significant step. This action was taken because Garland refused to hand over the audio files of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interview with President Biden, a key element in the classified documents scandal.
The Department of Justice declined to prosecute the AG for criminal contempt, so Rep. Luna filed an inherent contempt resolution, where the House Sergeant-at-Arms would detain the offender until the end of the legislative session or they comply with a subpoena. The Florida Congresswoman modified the custody aspect to fine Garland instead of $10,000 per day until he complied.
According to Roll Call, four Republicans voted against the measure. Still, Luna posted on X (formerly Twitter) that "the bill did not pass due to some Republican absences" and "an overwhelming majority supports the resolution."
BREAKING: Rep. Luna Refiles Inherent Contempt Resolution Against AG Merrick Garland
"Today’s vote on my inherent contempt resolution and the legislative appropriations bill did not pass due to some Republican absences. An overwhelming majority of the party supports this… pic.twitter.com/Hs3CFij4NZ
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) July 11, 2024
"Today's vote on my inherent contempt resolution and the legislative appropriations bill did not pass due to some Republican absences. An overwhelming majority of the party supports this resolution, and it already survived multiple kill-shot attempts by Democrats. Our efforts have not been futile, and I thank all the Members who have been fighting alongside me to restore justice and order in our institutions. I have refiled the resolution and will be calling it up again in a couple of weeks when Congress is back in session and Members return. Attorney General Merrick Garland will pay and be held accountable for trying to undermine our institutions. No one is above the law," said Luna.
Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) was one of the Republicans absent from the vote. He explained that he was attending his father's funeral and could not appear, but he said he would vote in favor when the vote came back around.
I missed this vote because I am en route to my father’s funeral. Otherwise, I would have voted to hold Merrick Garland in inherent contempt of Congress.
I look forward to @RepLuna’s legislation coming up again. I am 100% for holding this rogue AG accountable. https://t.co/O5W2k8Lbpy
— Rep. Brian Mast (@RepBrianMast) July 11, 2024
