Don't need a federal court, just have the Sergeant at Arms take her into custody. I wonder if the guys in congress know how to play hardball. Politically, nobody is going to get too upset over forcing an IRS official to testify.
Yep take her into custody and put her in the jail cell and leave her there until she talks. They’ve put reporters in jail for much less than what she is probably guilty of.
I agree with you. They could hold her indefinitely in the basement of the House. They have the authority and the funds to make a nice comfy jail cell for her. The Sgt-at-Arms can designate members of the Capitol Police as her jailers.
FIrst they came for criminal IRS officials and no one said a word then....s/
IIRC, the sergeant at arms' authority no longer extends beyond the curb of Capitol Hill.
Nor is there anywhere to keep her in custody. The Capitol Jail is not capable of feeding or keeping prisoners overnight.
Some years ago, Congress agreed to rely on the Justice Dept in matters like these. The understanding was that, even if the administration was an opposition party, they would act in good faith in such matters.
But this Justice Dept isn't going to arrest or jail anybody at the behest of the Republican House.