Garland lambasts contempt order, accuses Republicans of using it as a 'partisan weapon'

Attorney General Merrick Garland slammed House Republicans on Wednesday for voting to hold him in contempt of Congress, claiming they were wielding their authority as a "partisan weapon."

The House passed the contempt resolution earlier Wednesday, in a 216-207 vote along party lines. The resolution is focused on Garland's refusal to turn over an audio recording of President Joe Biden's interview with special counsel Robert Hur, who investigated Biden's handling of classified documents. 

Garland's criticism of the GOP-led House comes as he takes a more vocal stance against accusations of partisanship in the Justice Department, according to The Hill.

“It is deeply disappointing that this House of Representatives has turned a serious congressional authority into a partisan weapon." Garland said in a statement after the vote. "Today’s vote disregards the constitutional separation of powers, the Justice Department’s need to protect its investigations, and the substantial amount of information we have provided to the Committees."

“I will always stand up for this department, its employees, and its vital mission to defend our democracy," Garland added.

The resolution serves as a formal condemnation of Garland, and works as a referral to the Justice Department for prosecution. However, it appears unlikely that there will be any legal consequences for the attorney general.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.