Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted today for a bipartisan House Resolution to hold former Trump adviser Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress for his failure to comply with a Congressional subpoena. Bannon rejected the subpoena to testify about his involvement, and former President Trump’s involvement, in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building. That attack killed five people, injured at least 140 law enforcement officials, and forced members of Congress and their staff to flee the Capitol.
“I voted to find Mr. Bannon in contempt because we need to understand who was responsible for the January 6th insurrection,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “Mr. Bannon’s refusal to acknowledge and respect a subpoena from Congress is another example of his disrespect for American democracy and the rule of law.”
The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol issued the subpoena to learn about Bannon’s role in the creation of the “stop the steal” publicity campaign before the insurrection and his participation in the promotion and organization of related events. In addition, the Select Committee wants to hear about Bannon’s communications with former President Trump to find out how much he urged Trump to attempt to interfere with the routine and bipartisan counting of electoral votes to confirm President Joe Biden’s victory. If Bannon is found guilty of contempt of Congress, he could be punished with a fine up to $100,000 and one year in prison.
original source can be found here.
