Nadler squeezed with calls for "inherent contempt"

“Nothing is off the table. It can’t be off the table. We have to look at all of the options to do our job and protect the Constitution and to make sure the government is functioning the way it should be,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.).

Scanlon acknowledges that it would be extraordinary for Congress to detain or fine a witness who refuses to testify, but says the conflict is being driven by the White House’s refusal to comply with subpoenas.

“There’s a reason why we don’t do it, but there’s a reason why we haven’t had to even talk about it, ” Scanlon added. “Because we’ve had administrations that have negotiated in good faith and tried to work for the good of the American people rather than the good of a particular incumbent.”