House Intel threatens Bannon with contempt if he uses White House orders to avoid testifying

Steve Bannon remains under subpoena by the House Intelligence Committee, despite White House efforts to keep him from testifying before lawmakers.

The panel's ranking Democrat, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), issued a statement Tuesday saying the committee still expected to question the former White House chief strategist, who has agreed to be interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller.

"Testifying before the Special Counsel does not obviate Mr. Bannon's obligations under the subpoena issued by the Committee," Schiff said.

Schiff said the panel would consider holding Bannon in contempt of Congress if he followed White House orders against testifying beyond a pre-approved set of 14 yes-or-no questions.

"Should Bannon maintain his refusal to return and testify fully to all questions, the Committee should begin contempt proceedings to compel his testimony," Schiff said.

Contempt of Congress is a federal misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $100,000 fine and up to one year in federal prison.

Bannon was present in the White House during periods Mueller may be investigating for a possible obstruction of justice charge, and he also shopped opposition research showing Trump's links to the mafia before joining his Republican presidential campaign in 2016.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted in June 2012 to hold then-Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. in contempt for failing to cooperate with a congressional inquiry into Operation “Fast and Furious" after President Barack Obama asserted executive privilege over some documents in the probe.