The House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to hold US Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for failing to provide subpoenaed audio recordings of President Joe Biden's interviews with former special counsel Robert Hur.
The vote was 216 to 207, with one Republican, Rep. Dave Joyce of Ohio, opposing the measure.
Dispute Over Recordings
Republicans argue that the audio files are essential for their oversight duties, claiming they offer insights beyond the available transcripts.
The Department of Justice, however, says it has complied with other parts of the subpoena and that releasing the recordings could raise privacy concerns, potentially discouraging future witnesses from cooperating.
Garland expressed disappointment in a statement, calling the vote a partisan weapon.
"It is deeply disappointing that this House of Representatives has turned a serious congressional authority into a partisan weapon," he said, stressing the need to uphold the separation of powers and protect ongoing investigations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the action, stating that Republicans fulfilled their constitutional duties.
"We did our job defending the Constitution," he remarked, adding that the vote sends a strong message about congressional oversight.
