What is contempt of Congress, and does it trump executive privilege?
As the showdown heats up, here’s a look at the main reasons Congress uses the citation, and how the process works. By Jesse J. Holland, Associated Press July 09, 2007 Congress and the White House appear headed for a showdown over President Bush’s decision to invoke executive privilege to deny documents to lawmakers and prevent former aides from testifying about the firing of U.S. attorneys. Lawmakers have threatened to hold subpoenaed officials in contempt of Congress. Here are some questions and answers about the process: Q: What is it and why is it used? A: Congress can hold a person in contempt if that person obstructs proceedings or an inquiry by a congressional committee. Congress has used contempt citations for two main reasons: To punish someone for refusing to testify or refusing to provide documents or answers; and for bribing or libeling a member of Congress. Q: Is it in the Constitution? A: No. It is an implied power, just like executive privilege is an implied power of the
