Washington, October 23 (RHC)-- The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to declare former Trump aide Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack.  The vote was 229 to 202.  Just nine Republicans joined Democrats in support of the resolution to recommend the Justice Department open a criminal prosecution of Bannon. 

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said: “Steve Bannon’s refusal to appear, even when subpoenaed, is a demonstration of his contempt not only for Congress, but his contempt of the Constitution and his contempt for the law.  It is unacceptable and obstructive to this process of uncovering the full story of that day’s attack on the Capitol.”

On January 5, one day before the violent insurrection, Steve Bannon predicted that January 6 would be a game-changer in U.S. politics, telling his radio audience: “All hell is going to break loose.”  If convicted of contempt of Congress, Bannon faces up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.