Texas Congressman Says House Privileges Bar Compliance With County Court Subpoena

WASHINGTON — Rep. John Carter of Texas notified House Speaker Mike Johnson that he had been served with a subpoena for documents issued by the District Court of Bell County, Texas, and that he concluded compliance would conflict with the House’s privileges and rights.

In an Oct. 28 letter laid before the House on Oct. 29, Carter said he consulted the House Office of General Counsel before reaching that conclusion. He cited Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives in notifying the Speaker. 1

The notice matters because a request from a state court for records held by, or sought from, a sitting House member can raise questions about the relationship between a state court and Congress. House privileges generally concern the institution’s ability to protect its official work from outside interference. Carter’s letter presents an institutional reason for his position, rather than claiming a personal exemption from legal process.

The House communication provides few details. It does not name the underlying case, describe the requested documents, identify the parties or refer to a ruling by the Bell County court. It also contains no position from the court or from the party that sought the subpoena.

Carter wrote that complying with the subpoena “is not consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” The notice records that position for the House; it does not decide whether the subpoena is enforceable or invalid. 1

Further reporting would require the subpoena itself, Bell County court filings and any public response from the court, the party seeking documents or the House.