Representative Files Resolution Directing Sergeant-At-Arms of House to Arrest Lois Lerner For Contempt?!

Apparently so:

We just filed a resolution directing the Sergeant-At-Arms to arrest Lois Lerner for contempt. Statement coming in minutes. #IRSscandal — Rep. Steve Stockman (@SteveWorks4You) July 10, 2014



As Gabe has ably explained before, the House is said to have the "inherent authority" to do this, as it is necessary to give meaning to its power to investigate. If a key witness can lie to it, for example, without any consequence, then its power to investigate is a nullity.

So Stockman (and how many others, I don't know) is taking the position that she waived her right against self-incrimination and ergo is in contempt and the House therefore can, by its inherent authority, direct her to be arrested by the body's Sergeant-At-Arms.

This is a very interesting and rare thing -- this is frequently talked about --you'll always find someone suggesting the House do this with executive employees or even the President, no matter what the party-- but almost never done.

I think Gabe said the last time this power was utilized was in the 1930s (aka John Ekdahl's favorite decade).

Oh, and of course an IRS agent was suspended -- suspended, not fired -- for aggressively campaigning for Obama on the IRS tax help line.

And more news, via Hot Air and I think @danreihl:

JUST IN: Boehner announces House Republicans suing the President based on his action to waive employer mandate of Obamacare — Deirdre Walsh (@deirdrewalshcnn) July 10, 2014



Ugh.

What an asshole.

But Philip Klein thinks this is the best punch to lead with, as the House is on its strongest footing here: