By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Congress committee that is investigating the Jan. 6th attack on Capitol said to Steve Bannon it had rejected his claims of not cooperating with the probe. As the congressional panel continues to pursue a contempt-of-Congress charge against former President Donald Trump’s longtime advisor, the panel will also be pursuing a contempt-of-Congress case.

Bannon claims that his executive privilege exempts him from the demand of the panel to produce documents and be present for deposition during its inquiry into the assault at the Capitol.

Trump claimed his communications with advisers were protected by executive privilege. This legal doctrine protects some White House communications confidentially. Experts have stated that Trump cannot use executive privilege legally because he is the ex-president.

Representative Bennie Thomson, Chairman of the House of Representatives Select Committee dismissed these claims in a Friday correspondence to Bannon. Reuters viewed it on Monday.

The Washington Post was the first to report on this letter.

On Tuesday night, the Select Committee will vote on a recommendation that Bannon be cited by the House for criminal contempt of Congress.

Thompson said that Trump hadn’t communicated to the committee any executive privilege assertions, informally or formally.

Thompson stated that “Moreover, we believe any such assertions of privilege-should they be made by former President-will not stop the Select Committee lawfully obtaining information it seeks.”

Robert Costello was not available to comment immediately on a request by Bannon for his attorney.

Trump supporters launched an attack on Capitol during Congress’s meeting to certify Democrat Joe Biden was elected victorious over Trump. The delay in the process resulted in several hours. Vice President Mike Pence, Congressmen, staff, and journalists fled as Mike Pence, then-Vice president Mike Pence, fled. The incident led to more than 600 criminal cases against over 600 individuals.