Gowdy Statement on Oversight Contempt Citation of A.G. Holder

Statement

Today, Rep. Trey Gowdy, a former federal and state prosecutor who prosecuted scores of firearms cases while working for the United States Attorney's Office, released the following statement in regards to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee decision to consider a contempt report against Attorney General Eric Holder.

"It did not have to come to this. The Attorney General could have avoided contempt of Congress by simply complying with Congress as it fulfills its constitutional responsibility to provide oversight. The committees of jurisdiction, Chairman Darrell Issa and Chairman Lamar Smith, and House Leadership have been patient with the Attorney General, exceedingly patient in fact."

"The questions surrounding "Fast and Furious", the tactic ofgun walking, the Department of Justice involvement in the operation, and the February 4, 2011, letter denying the tactic are the same questions our fellow citizens and the family and friends of Brian Terry have."

"The Attorney General and the Department of Justice are symbols of law enforcement and justice for the entire country, not sycophants for one political party or political agenda. The country deserves better, and I appreciate the thoughtful and measured approach Speaker John Boehner, Leader Eric Cantor and Whip Kevin McCarthy have shown."

On Wednesday, June 20, 2012, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will consider a report to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress. A.G. Holder has failed to produce documents requested in an October 12, 2011 subpoena. The contempt report will enforce compliance to the lawful subpoena.

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