Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) issued a statement on June 12, 2024, regarding his vote to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for not complying with Congressional subpoenas issued by the House Oversight Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.

"I voted today to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress," said Smith. "Attorney General Garland’s outright refusal to comply with a lawful Congressional subpoena that was duly issued by the House of Representatives is an attempt to evade the law and prevents Congress from fulfilling its constitutional duty to conduct rigorous oversight over the Executive Branch."

Smith emphasized the importance of accessing the audio recordings, not just transcripts, of the investigation into President Biden. "It is absolutely critical that we have access to the audio—not just the transcript—of the investigation into the President since the Biden Administration is notorious for heavily editing and correcting Biden’s major mistakes and self-contradictions," he stated. "Americans are sick and tired of the total lack of transparency from President Biden and his Administration—they deserve better."