Civil Contempt in the House of Representatives.

While the House of Representatives cannot pursue actions under the Senate’s civil contempt statute, there are numerous examples of the House, by resolution, affording special investigatory committees authority not ordinarily available to its standing committees. Such special panels have often been vested with staff deposition authority, and given the particular circumstances, special panels have also been vested with the authority to obtain tax information, as well as the authority to seek international assistance in information gathering efforts abroad. In addition, several special panels have been specifically granted the authority to seek judicial orders and participate in judicial proceedings.

For example, in 1987, the House authorized the creation of a select committee to investigate the covert arms transactions with Iran (Iran-Contra).

A review of modern House precedents indicates at least 5 other special or select committees that have been granted, via House resolution, both subpoena authority as well as the ability to seek and participate in judicial actions. These include: The October Surprise Investigation; The White House Travel Office Inquiry; The House Campaign Finance Investigation; The Select Committee on National Security Commercial Concerns; and The Teamsters Election Investigation.

Source: CRS Report dated 7/24/07

(Internal citations removed; my bold)