Can Congress Jail Witnesses Who Refuse to Cooperate?

Nov 16, 2017, 12:57 AM

With both the House and the Senate conducting investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, committees are issuing subpoenas and dealing with witnesses who may not be eager to talk.

So what happens if a witness refuses to cooperate?

Congress can hold people in contempt if they obstruct committee proceedings by refusing to testify or provide documents, or for bribing or libeling a member.