Steve Bannon, who served as former US president Donald Trump’s chief strategist has been sentenced to four months in prison in addition to a $6,500 fine for contempt of Congress, according to a report from Fox News. 

While the  former chief strategist has been released, Bannon must surrender himself voluntarily by November 15, according to the ruling made by  U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols. 

In its capacity, the Justice Department had made a recommendation that suggested a six-month prison sentence on top of a $200,000 fine for the former Trump aide. The government’s stance was based on the fact that Bannon had failed to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Select Committee that is investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on Capitol Hill.

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What is contempt of Congress?

Contempt of Congress, is an act of obstructing the working of a Congress committee or the US Congress. In the past, contempt of Congress has been used in cases of bribery of a US Senator or representative. More recently, contempt of Congress has been used against individuals who have refused to respond to a subpoena that has been issued by a committee or a subcommittee. 

Subpoenas, in particular, are an important part of the workings of Congress. In that the Supreme Court in 1957 confirmed that Congress’ ability to conduct investigations were an imperative part of the legislative process.

At the time, the Supreme Court ruled that it was ‘unquestionably the duty of all citizens to cooperate with the Congress in its efforts to obtain the facts needed for intelligent legislative action. It is their unremitting obligation to respond to subpoenas, to respect the dignity of the Congress and its committees and to testify fully with respect to matters within the province of proper investigation.”