Issa’s Panel Pushes Holder Closer to Contempt

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted along party lines and approved contempt of Congress against Attorney General Eric Holder for his failure to comply with a subpoena. All 23 Republicans of the committee voted for the resolution, while all 17 democrats opposed it. The Hill reports “the vote came just hours after Obama escalated the conflict by sending a letter to the committee claiming executive privilege over the documents Issa had sought.” Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) was quoted saying:

“I still believe that a settlement, rendering the process of contempt unnecessary, is in the best interest of the Justice Department, Congress and those most directly affected by Operation Fast and Furious... I urge Attorney General Holder and President Obama to reconsider their decision to withhold documents that would allow Congress to complete its investigation.”

Following the hearing, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Rick Cantor (R-Va.) announced that the House will vote on the contempt measure next week.