Statement in Opposition to House Republican Contempt Vote

Statement

Today, U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) made the following statement after Democratic Members of Congress, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, walked off the Floor of the House of Representatives rather than participate in an outrageous vote to hold U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for allegations in the "Fast and Furious" investigation.

The "walk-out" was initiated by the Congressional Black Caucus and expanded by the Congressional Hispanic, Asian Pacific American and Progressive Caucuses. A large number of Members of the entire Democratic Caucus also participated in the walk-out.

"Today, I am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in Congress and behind Attorney General Holder and President Obama to oppose this outrageous attempt by my Republicans colleagues to hold Attorney General Holder in contempt. We're witnessing an extremely partisan and irresponsible attack on the Attorney General that is based on lies and baseless claims.

"This egregious abuse of power by House Republicans distracts both Congress in their duty to pass legislation that is pertinent to the American people as well as the Department of Justice's ability to investigate and pursue real crimes. No other cabinet official in U.S. history has been held in contempt of Congress and I join Democrats today as we refuse to play election-year politics when the American people need us the most."

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