Green is cited for contempt of the House of Representatives after she refuses to answer certain questions posed by a House Committee concerning her acts while serving as a United States Ambassador. A federal statute authorizes the Attorney General to prosecute contempts of Congress. Pursuant to this law, the House directs the Attorney General to begin criminal proceedings against Green. A federal grand jury indicts Green, but the Attorney General refuses to sign the indictment."If the Attorney General signs the indictment, the strongest argument Green could urge as a defense is that
Green may refuse to answer the questions if she can demonstrate that they are unrelated to matters upon which Congress may legislate. the House may question Green on matters pertaining to the expenditures of funds appropriated by Congress. only the Senate may question Green on matters that relate to the performance of her duties. Congress may not ask questions relating to the performance of duties executed by an officer of the executive branch