Anna Paulina Luna wants Garland to be fined $10,000 daily for audio tape with Biden-Hur
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., is making waves in Congress by threatening to impose a hefty fine on Attorney General Merrick Garland for not turning over audio tapes of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s interview with President Biden. Luna is determined to force a vote on her inherent contempt resolution against Garland, which could result in a $10,000 per day fine until the tapes are handed over.
Although Luna initially planned to proceed with the vote on Friday, she decided to delay the move after a discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. However, she later announced her intention to push for the vote next week, emphasizing the importance of holding Garland accountable for his actions.
Inherent contempt is a seldom-used congressional tactic that would enable the House to try and convict Garland for his refusal to comply with the request for the audio tapes. Luna filed a new resolution on Friday to hold Garland in inherent contempt and impose fines for withholding the tapes. The resolution is expected to be deemed “privileged,” prompting the House to address it within two legislative days.
Luna’s decision to escalate the situation by introducing fines came in the wake of President Biden’s lackluster performance during a recent debate with former President Trump. Biden’s struggles during the debate, including a hoarse voice and stumbling over answers, reignited concerns about his mental acuity and fitness for office.
House Republicans, who have long questioned Biden’s capabilities, previously voted to hold Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to release the audio tapes. The Department of Justice declined to prosecute Garland, citing executive privilege invoked by Biden over the tapes. However, Republicans argue that access to the tapes is crucial in assessing Biden’s mental sharpness beyond what is revealed in the transcript.
To further pressure the DOJ into releasing the tapes, House Republicans launched a lawsuit led by House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. This legal maneuver, supported by the precedent set by the Supreme Court in 1935, aims to compel Garland to comply with Congress’s demands.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s bold stance against Attorney General Merrick Garland highlights the ongoing battle within Congress to hold government officials accountable. The outcome of this confrontation could set a significant precedent for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
