Representative Barry Loudermilk, US Representative for Georgia's 11th District | Ballotpedia
Representative Barry Loudermilk, US Representative for Georgia's 11th District | Ballotpedia
Washington D.C. (June 26, 2024) | This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Chairman of the Committee on House Administration's Oversight Subcommittee, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court addressing what he describes as procedural flaws in the January 6 Select Committee’s actions and subsequent contempt and criminal referral of Steve Bannon.
The brief supports Bannon's emergency application to the Supreme Court, which has ordered him to turn himself in by July 1 to begin a four-month prison sentence for non-compliance with a subpoena from the Select Committee.
Rep. Loudermilk contends that the Select Committee did not adhere to its own rules or House regulations, notably failing to consult with a minority ranking member before compelling Bannon to appear for a deposition. "Over the past year and a half, my Subcommittee has uncovered concerning misconduct by the Democrats’ former January 6 Select Committee," said Rep. Loudermilk. "They suppressed evidence, deleted key files, and intentionally misled Congress and the American people all in an effort to protect a preconceived narrative."
The prosecution of Bannon is deemed invalid by Loudermilk due to these procedural issues. "Therefore, the prosecution of Mr. Bannon for failing to appear for a deposition is invalid, as is any criminal prosecution," he added.
America First Legal Vice President Dan Epstein echoed this sentiment: "The January 6 Select Committee’s violations of House Rules and Regulations invalidate their formal actions against individuals." Epstein believes that Bannon's indictment lacks legal foundation and urges the Supreme Court to consider Loudermilk’s arguments.
Former Republican Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney served as Vice Chair of the Select Committee but was not recognized as a ranking member under H.Res. 503 requirements set by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This resolution mandated consultation between Chairman Bennie Thompson and a ranking member prior to depositions—a condition impossible without an appointed ranking member.
Loudermilk’s brief follows Steve Bannon's request last week for the U.S. Supreme Court to delay his prison sentence related to contempt of Congress charges.
Additionally, Rep. Loudermilk is working on legislation aimed at nullifying what he describes as fundamentally flawed work conducted by the January 6 Select Committee.
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