Does it have the power to punish people?
If, for example, they decided to vote someone in contempt of Congressfor failing to appear or provide testimonythe full House would have to approve that. If Congress had to enforce a contempt citation in federal court, a judge could order the witness who is in contempt to provide testimony, and if the witness doesnt, the judge could impose jail time or a civil fine. You know, it probably hasnt been done since the 1800s, but the House does have the power to seize someone who is in contempt of the House. The sergeant-at-arms can seize someone and put them in a jail cell in the House
Q&A: Does a Benghazi Select Committee Matter?
Congress can subpoena witnesses, or force them to testify under oath, before its committees. This authority comes from the Constitution's grant to Congress of all legislative powers (Article 1, Section 1). Witnesses are subpoenaed to provide information that will assist committees in preparing legislation. In the case of Mc-Grain v. Daugherty (1927), the Supreme Court recognized that Congress could subpoena even private citizens to testify. The Court noted that since not everyone would volunteer needed information, some means of compulsion are essential to obtain what is needed. Witnesses who refuse to respond to a congressional subpoena, or refuse to give information (unless they invoke their 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination) may be found in contempt of Congress and sent to prison.
Read more: subpoena power of Congress: Information from Answers.com
This is just a point on the Benghazi Select Committee, if is at appears that this Committee will have only Subpoena powers to investigate. So then my question is, how does this make this Committee any different than any of the others that have already investigated this ? or stop anyone who wants to from invoking the 5th Amendment and rendering this new Committee basically redundant. This is not asked with a political bias, I am curious as to what others opinions are.
If, for example, they decided to vote someone in contempt of Congressfor failing to appear or provide testimonythe full House would have to approve that. If Congress had to enforce a contempt citation in federal court, a judge could order the witness who is in contempt to provide testimony, and if the witness doesnt, the judge could impose jail time or a civil fine. You know, it probably hasnt been done since the 1800s, but the House does have the power to seize someone who is in contempt of the House. The sergeant-at-arms can seize someone and put them in a jail cell in the House
Q&A: Does a Benghazi Select Committee Matter?
Congress can subpoena witnesses, or force them to testify under oath, before its committees. This authority comes from the Constitution's grant to Congress of all legislative powers (Article 1, Section 1). Witnesses are subpoenaed to provide information that will assist committees in preparing legislation. In the case of Mc-Grain v. Daugherty (1927), the Supreme Court recognized that Congress could subpoena even private citizens to testify. The Court noted that since not everyone would volunteer needed information, some means of compulsion are essential to obtain what is needed. Witnesses who refuse to respond to a congressional subpoena, or refuse to give information (unless they invoke their 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination) may be found in contempt of Congress and sent to prison.
Read more: subpoena power of Congress: Information from Answers.com
This is just a point on the Benghazi Select Committee, if is at appears that this Committee will have only Subpoena powers to investigate. So then my question is, how does this make this Committee any different than any of the others that have already investigated this ? or stop anyone who wants to from invoking the 5th Amendment and rendering this new Committee basically redundant. This is not asked with a political bias, I am curious as to what others opinions are.
