The House Committee on Wednesday recommended that Attorney General Eric Holder be held in contempt of Congress for failing to release documents relating to the failed Operation Fast and Furious weapons sting. The partisan vote concluded an extraordinary daylong hearing that took place after President Barack Obama exercised executive privilege over some documents sought by the panel investigating the operation. Due to the White House decision, the Department of Justice can withhold some of the documents.
“Unless the attorney general re-evaluates his choice and supplies the promised documents, the House will vote to hold him in contempt next week,” chamber Republican leaders said in a statement. “If, however, Attorney General Holder produces these documents prior to the scheduled vote, we will give the (committee) an opportunity to review in hopes of resolving this issue.” The committee measure will now move to the full House for consideration, occurring next week, which would be an unprecedented action. Congress has never before cited a sitting attorney general in contempt. Holder was appointed by President Obama.
