US House January 6 committee subpoenas 5 lawmakers News
© Wikimedia (Tyler Merbler)
US House January 6 committee subpoenas 5 lawmakers

The US House of Representatives Select Committee investing the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol Thursday issued subpoenas for five Republican lawmakers.

The Democrat-led committee subpoenaed House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Reps. Scott Perry (R-PA), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Mo Brooks (R-AL).

In a press release, Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) said:

The Select Committee has learned that several of our colleagues have information relevant to our investigation into the attack on January 6th and the events leading up to it. Before we hold our hearings next month, we wished to provide members the opportunity to discuss these matters with the committee voluntarily. Regrettably, the individuals receiving subpoenas today have refused and we’re forced to take this step to help ensure the committee uncovers facts concerning January 6th. We urge our colleagues to comply with the law, do their patriotic duty, and cooperate with our investigation as hundreds of other witnesses have done.

Issuing subpoenas to fellow lawmakers is an extremely unusual step, and the committee had been grappling with the decision for some time. It is unclear whether the lawmakers will comply with the subpoenas or what will happen if they do not. The committee could pursue contempt charges, refer the lawmakers to the House Ethics Committee or pursue other civil remedies.

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