Rep. Luna Vows to Force Vote on Garland's Arrest if DOJ Fails to Act

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) intends to compel a vote on arresting Attorney General Merrick Garland if the Department of Justice declines to pursue criminal contempt charges against him.

Former Scalia and Thomas Law Clerk Chris Landau alleges that Attorney General Merrick Garland is attempting to present the DOJ as immune to criticism. Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has announced her determination to initiate a vote on Attorney General Garland's arrest should the Department of Justice (DOJ) fail to respond to a criminal contempt resolution backed by House GOP leaders.

Luna expressed her plan to introduce a resolution for "inherent contempt" against Garland, which would follow the full House of Representatives' consideration of a separate measure regarding the Biden official. "As of right now, we fully intend to bring it," Luna stated. "I don't have much faith in the Department of Justice. And I don't think the American people do either."

Luna emphasized the need for accountability and compliance with the law, including at the highest levels of authority. She asserted that if the DOJ neglected its duty, Congress would intervene. Inherent contempt differs from the contempt resolution expected to be voted on on Wednesday, as the former would authorize the House sergeant at arms to apprehend Garland, while the latter would refer him to his own department for potential criminal prosecution.

Luna intends to circulate a letter among her colleagues clarifying inherent contempt and its necessity. "Inherent contempt of Congress hasn't been done since the early 1900s," Luna noted. "Before that, it was quite common."

Explaining the rationale behind her proposal, Luna pointed to ignored subpoenas and the perception of a two-tiered justice system. She believes that the public will comprehend and support the inherent contempt procedure, given these concerns.

Luna possesses the authority to compel House leaders to consider her bill by designating it as "privileged," which would require the House to act within two legislative days. Regarding potential delays or withdrawal of the Wednesday vote due to reservations among moderate Republicans, Luna indicated that she would defer to leadership's schedule.

"I'm going to wait for the vote to happen the way that leadership wants it to happen with the criminal contempt," she stated. "And then after that, that'll start the clock on our stuff."

House Republicans are seeking Garland's contempt for refusing to provide audio recordings of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interviews with President Biden. Despite Republican support for the move, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces limited flexibility with only a two-vote majority.