For the first time since the 1830s, the House has voted to hold a former member in contempt of Congress.
After failing to appear before the committee probing the Capitol protest on January 6, Mark Meadows was found in contempt of Congress Tuesday, December 13, 2021.
Meadows was a top aid for President Donald Trump. Former Trump aide, Steve Bannon, was also charged with contempt of Congress in mid-November.
The vote is the House’s latest show of strength as it investigates the events at the Capitol.
“History will be written about these times, about the work this committee has undertaken,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson (R-Miss.), the chairman. “And history will not look upon any of you as a martyr. History will not look upon you as a victim.”
Meadows has ceased to cooperate with the January 6 Committee investigating the Capitol protest, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
“Make no mistake, when Democrats vote in favor of this resolution, it is a vote to put a good man in prison,” Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said of Meadows.
The vote is the second time the committee has punished a witness for refusing to comply with a subpoena. Meadows and Steve Bannon could each face up to one year in prison if charged with conspiracy to obstruct an investigation.
The House panel voted to move forward with the case against Meadows, citing his refusal to comply with the panel’s request for an interview.
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) voted to refer Meadows’ contempt charge to the Justice Department.
Former President Trump praised Meadows, stating, “I think Mark should do what’s right. He is a guy of honor. This isn’t anything he should have to go through.”