House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced that the House Judiciary Committee will file a lawsuit next week to compel Attorney General Merrick Garland to release audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s meeting with special counsel Robert Hur. This legal action follows the Justice Department’s refusal to file criminal charges against Garland despite a House resolution holding him in contempt.
“We are going to file suit next week against the Department of Justice to enforce that subpoena,” Johnson stated during a press conference on Wednesday. “We will go to district court here in D.C., which is the appropriate venue, and we will fight vigorously to get it.”
Republicans argue that the audio recordings will provide additional context to Hur’s remarks about President Biden’s cognitive abilities. Although lawmakers already have a transcript of Biden’s conversation with Hur, they believe the tapes could offer further insights.
Former President Donald Trump has previously expressed concerns about Biden’s cognitive functions, stating that his diminishing memory and overall cognitive abilities are more troubling than his age.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has also indicated plans to push for a vote on a resolution granting the House sergeant-at-arms the authority to detain Garland. This move, known as an “inherent contempt” resolution, is considered a serious measure to enforce compliance with congressional subpoenas.
Luna emphasized the importance of this action in a letter to her colleagues, stating, “This process demonstrates the seriousness with which Congress views non-compliance and the potential consequences for those who refuse to cooperate.”
While Johnson acknowledged Luna’s proposal, he noted that it is just one of several options being considered. “I don’t think anything’s been settled on as of yet,” Johnson said, indicating that the House is still deliberating on the best course of action.
This lawsuit represents the latest effort by House Republicans to obtain the sought-after audio tapes, highlighting ongoing tensions between Congress and the Department of Justice over transparency and accountability.
