Associated Press
Bannon indictment defies history of Congress’ contempt power
Steve Bannon’s indictment on contempt of Congress charges is the nation’s first since 1983, and his appearance in federal court provides a rare glimpse into one of U.S. lawmakers’ politically messiest and least-used powers. The last successful prosecution reaches all the way back to Watergate and its aftermath when G. Gordon Liddy and Richard Kleindienst were convicted and pleaded guilty, respectively, for refusing to answer congressional questions. Bannon appeared in federal court Monday to face charges for refusing a House subpoena to tell Congress what he knows about the lead-up to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack to interrupt certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory over President Donald Trump.