Kinzinger defends Biden on appeal to prosecute people who defy subpoenas on January 6
Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a “never Trump” Republican from Illinois, on Sunday defended President Biden’s calls for the Justice Department to prosecute people who defy a summons from the congressional committee investigating riots in the 6th Capitol in the United States.
Kinzinger, who serves on the committee investigating the riots, told CNN’s “Union of State” that Mr. Biden had done nothing wrong.
“I think it’s appropriate, the president has every right to signal,” Kinzinger said. “I think he has every right to make it clear where the administration stands … It says to everyone else who comes before the committee, do not think that you will just be able to walk away and we will forget you . “
Last week, Mr Biden told reporters that anyone who defies subpoenas regarding the investigation should have legal consequences.
“I hope the committee goes after them and holds them accountable,” the president said.
The comments quickly provoked a firestorm of criticism from Republicans and ethical watchdogs, who claimed Mr Biden was inappropriately involved in law enforcement proceedings.
The Department of Justice seemed to agree and told The Washington Times that “it makes its own independent decisions in all prosecutions based solely on facts and law. Period. Full stop.”
Kinzinger took a different view, telling CNN that it was nothing compared to the pressure former President Donald Trump exerted on the Justice Department.
“God knows, the previous administration every two hours tried to signal to the Justice Department,” he said. “It had to do with other pretty awful things.”
- Jeff Mordock contributed to this report.
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