IS IT A CRIME TO DEFY A CONGRESSIONAL SUBPOENA?

Yes. An 1857 law says failure to comply with a congressional subpoena for testimony or documents is punishable by one to 12 months imprisonment.

First, the House of Representatives or the Senate must vote to hold a non-compliant witness in “contempt of Congress” and refer that person to the U.S. Justice Department for criminal prosecution.

The Justice Department then decides whether to bring criminal charges.

Trump’s former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000 after being found guilty of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the Jan. 6 committee. He is due to be sentenced on Oct. 21.

Source: Explainer: Does Trump have to comply with the Jan. 6 committee subpoena? | Reuters