In a history-making vote, on Wednesday afternoon, the House of Representatives voted in a mostly party-line tally to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress.

House Republicans voted Wednesday to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over the audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interviews with former special counsel Robert Hur, who investigated Biden’s handling of classified material and declined to bring charges.

The vote was 216 to 207 with one Republican voting against it – Rep. Dave Joyce of Ohio.

The lone Republican holdout, Dave Joyce (R-OH) took to X to explain his vote.

GOP OH Rep Joyce on being the only Republican nay vote on Garland contempt of Congress resolution: As a former prosecutor, I cannot in good conscience support a resolution that would further politicize our judicial system to score political points. The American people expect…

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) June 12, 2024

What happens next?

House Speaker Mike Johnson will now certify the report to the United States attorney for the District of Columbia.

Under law, this certification then requires the US attorney to “bring the matter before the grand jury for its action,” but the Justice Department will also make its own determinations for prosecuting.

As noted earlier, it's unlikely that the Justice Department, which is under President Biden's executive branch and under the direction of the Attorney General, will take any action. A similar contempt vote in 2012 against Obama administration Attorney General Eric Holder resulted in no further actions.

Previously on RedState: House GOP Clears Way for Merrick Garland Contempt Vote - but Does It Even Matter?

The contempt charges arise from AG Garland's refusal to turn over audio recordings of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interviews with President Biden. Written transcripts were provided but the House had sought the audio recordings to complete the picture of the President's state of mind during the interview, especially as the Special Counsel had described the President as an "elderly man with a poor memory." Republicans have vociferously objected to the AG's refusal, resulting in the contempt charge.

See Related: Biggs Absolutely Levels Garland, Blows Up the Excuses Not to Turn Over Hur Audio

During the Trump administration, two Trump administration aides, Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon, were convicted on contempt of Congress charges. Both were referred for criminal charges. Both were sentenced to prison terms.

While it is unclear what, if any, action by Congress will follow this vote, we will continue to monitor this issue and bring you updates as events warrant.

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