The Justice Department has pushed back against Republican efforts to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt over his refusal to provide unredacted materials related to the special counsel probe into President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents. In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, the Justice Department rejected the demand from House Republicans for the full audio of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interviews with Biden and his ghostwriter.
Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte stated in the letter that the department has complied with all elements of the subpoena sent by House Republicans in February. Despite GOP claims, the Justice Department emphasized its cooperation and expressed concern that the Committees may be seeking conflict rather than information.
The standoff could potentially lead to a legal battle between the White House and GOP chairmen, with the possibility of invoking executive privilege to prevent the release of the audio recording to Congress. This could result in a delay in the release of the audio until after the November election.
Special Counsel Robert Hur's investigation into the improper retention of classified documents by President Biden concluded with a 345-page report that raised questions about Biden’s age and mental competence but did not recommend criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
Last month, Hur defended his report during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, asserting that his findings were based on evidence and not biased against the president.
If GOP lawmakers proceed with holding Garland in contempt, it would require majority support in committee and the full House before a referral is made to the Justice Department. However, it is unlikely that the Justice Department would take up an investigation into the Cabinet official.
The last successful contempt effort against a sitting Cabinet member occurred in 2012 when then-Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt by a Republican-controlled House over the Operation Fast and Furious documents dispute.
