The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

David Vance, dvance@commoncause.org

Bannon Sentence Upholds Congressional Subpoena Authority - Shows No One is Above the Law

WASHINGTON

Statement of Aaron Scherb, Common Cause Senior Director of Legislative Affairs:

No American is above the law, including former Presidents and their advisors. Steve Bannon learned that today through a jail sentence and a fine for defying a subpoena from the January 6th Committee.

It is imperative that Congress have subpoena power with teeth in order to fulfill its oversight and investigatory responsibilities. If individuals could defy congressional subpoenas with impunity, our system of checks and balances would break down.

Americans deserve to know the full truth about the planning and execution of the insurrection on January 6, 2021, when a violent, racist, and heavily armed mob attacked the United States Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election. The January 6th Select Committee has performed vitally important work in unearthing damning evidence against former President Trump and his inner-circle. Subpoenas played a critical role in obtaining the overwhelming evidence presented to the American people.

Subpoenas will continue to be vital to the work of the committee as it completes its investigation and finalizes its report. Today's sentence will stand as a warning to anyone who might consider defying one of those subpoenas - there will be repercussions.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.

(202) 833-1200