Politics

Swalwell Goes Rogue: Calls For Bannon Subpoena

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Robert Donachie Capitol Hill and Health Care Reporter
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Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California disrupted a joint congressional hearing Thursday to call for the subpoena of former adviser to President Donald Trump Steve Bannon.

Former FBI special agent Peter Strzok appeared before a joint House committee hearing Thursday to discuss his role in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Swalwell interrupted a congressman’s questioning of Strzok during the hearing to call for a congressional subpoena of Bannon. (RELATED: Strzok: Congressional Hearing Is A ‘Victory’ For Putin) 

“Mr. chairman, I have a rule 11 motion, clause 2. I move to subpoena Steve Bannon,” Swalwell shouted during the hearing. “Mr. Bannon was a witness in the House Intelligence Committee investigation. He was under subpoena. He refused to answer questions.”

Bannon appeared behind closed doors before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in February 2018, but declined to answer many of the lawmakers questions. His dodges caused many lawmakers to consider holding him in contempt. (RELATED: Strzok Admits He Was Talking About Trump In ‘We’ll Stop Him’ Texts)

The chairman, Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, did not accept Swawell’s motion at first, but allowed him to proceed.

“I move to subpoena Steve Bannon in our House Intelligence investigation. He was under subpoena. He refused a number of times to answer questions of Mr. Gowdy,” Swalwell said. “Mr. Gowdy appears to have a sincere interest in getting to the bottom of what happened, so I move under rule 11 to bring Mr. Bannon to this committee.”

Swalwell threatened Bannon with contempt if he does not comply.

“I move now for consideration for Mr. Bannon to be subpoenaed. If he refuses for contempt proceedings to occur,” Swalwell said. 

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