‘I Will Not Compromise When It Comes to the Truth’: Watch Rep. Gowdy Throw Down the Gauntlet for Democrats During Contempt Vote
- Posted on June 28, 2012 at 8:53pm by
Jason Howerton
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In one of the most intense and impassioned speeches you may ever hear on the House floor, Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) lived up to his name of “Fast and Furious rockstar” after he absolutely blasted Democrats Thursday for refusing to put politics aside in the failed gun-walking investigation so that Congress can get the “whole truth” for the American people and the family of slain Border Agent Brian Terry.
Gowdy stepped up to speak during today’s House hearing in a last-ditch effort to convince Democrats to break ranks and vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a duly issued subpoena requesting documents related to Fast and Furious. It is unclear whether his statements were responsible, but 17 Democrats supported criminal contempt charges and 21 voted for civil contempt charges against Holder.
(Related: ‘Judgment Day’: House Finds Eric Holder in Contempt of Congress (Including Numerous Dems))
“This is a sad day, Mr. Speaker. For those of us that respect the rule of law,” Gowdy began. “For those of us who believe the same rules apply to everyone regardless of whether they live simple lives of peace and quiet or whether they live and work in the towers of power, prestige and authority, the same rules apply to everyone. It is the greatness of this country.”
The congressman from South Carolina was just getting warmed up. He set his sights on Democratic lawmakers, questioning whether or not they were really interested in uncovering the truth. With every passing moment, the volume and emotion in Gowdy’s voice swelled until he was practically screaming.
“For those of you who want a negotiation, a compromise, an “extraordinary accommodation,‘ to use the attorney general’s words. For those of you who want to plea bargain — My question to you is simply this: Will you settle for 75 percent of the truth? Is 50 percent of the truth enough for you? Is a third? Or do you want it all? Because if you want all the truth then you want all the documents.” Gowdy said, raising his voice.
He said meeting with Brian Terry’s family, who lost their child as a result of Fast and Furious, was a “life-altering” experience. At certain points, it sounds almost as if Gowdy gets choked up, like his emotions were getting the best of him.
“All they want is the truth,” Gowdy said about the Terry family. “They want answers, they want justice and they don’t want part of it, they want all of it. And I will not compromise, Mr. speaker, when it comes to the truth.”
Watch the all of Gowdy’s epic tirade on the House floor, below:
He went on, “Congress is right to pursue this no matter where it takes us. No matter which administration was in power and no matter what the facts are – we are right to pursue this.”
Speaking directly to Democrats who made it clear they would oppose any measure to find the attorney general in contempt, Gowdy asked them, ”Can you tell the American people why the Department of Justice approved this lethal, fatally flawed operation? For those of you who are voting no, can you tell the American people how the tactic of gun walking was sanctioned? To those of you who are voting no, can you tell Brian Terry’s family and friends how a demonstrably false letter was written on Department of Justice letter head-on Feb 4?… That letter was written on America’s stationary.”
“Our fellow citizens have a right to know the truth and we have an obligation to fight for it, Mr. Speaker, the politics be damned,” said Gowdy.
“I want the truth. I want all of it. We should never settle for less than all of it and we have to start, today.”
Holder was found in criminal and civil contempt of Congress Thursday in a bipartisan vote that included as many as 21 Democrats.






















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Comments (142)
Bluebonnet
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:30pmHe says what he means and he means what he says. How novel. I love the way he speaks, you understand exactly what he means because he is so articulate in what he’s saying. You notice, he doesn’t use the stupid teleprompters because he has his thoughts collected, and I also noticed he doesn’t have to refer to notes. This man has it in his heart. He’s one of us.
Report Post »Trey Gowdy, I LOVE you. (in contrast, Mr. O hems and haws and says nothing of value)
pschlentz
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 3:27amI’m with you BB! Have never heard of this man, but I am very impressed! That is the kind of men we need running this Country!
Report Post »TurboCat
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 3:28amGod Bless the Tea Party for getting this man elected! I have been writing to Issa this week (because I live in California) and can only e-mail to CA. I have named Mr. Gowdy as one of the members I wished to thank for doing the right thing. I wrote again today and thanked all the Republicans and the 21 Democrats who did the right thing even through the vicious assaults and pressures on them. And the rest of them? They’re a lost cause because they HAVE no shame!
Report Post »IndyGuy
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 4:26amThis Guy should be Prez…
Report Post »IndyGuy
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 4:42amKucinich just said we can’ be taking out each others leaders……YES Kucinich we can…
Report Post »Thatsitivehadenough
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 5:13amAs I was listening to him speak, I thought of the people who were the founders of this nation. He reminded me that people used to really think deeply about things and then were able to express their thoughts so that even today, more than 200 years later, we can understand what they were talking about. And learn from them.
Contrast his speech to anything any Democrat, from the CBC/CPC, or Obama has said. They are worlds apart. Thank God we still have people who actually think, instead of plot, about how to lead this country.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 5:25amForgive my cynicism, but I think the Dims who stayed in the chamber did it to save their skin this Nov. I can’t imagine a Dim voting on principle. If the Dims weren’t all corrupt, we wouldn’t have Obamacare to begin with.
Report Post »KarinS
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 7:46amSo correct!!!! We need 500 more!!!! at least!!! God Bless him.
Report Post »expatinontariocanada
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 7:57amI Trey Gowdy!
Report Post »JRook
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 10:22amReally than let’s here from the prior attorney general and the facts behind all similar programs that were operated since 2000. Why would Gowdy and the other clowns not challenge Issa in blocking such testimony. Seriously, do people here actually fall for this crap.
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 11:12amGowdy rocks. I rank him right up there with Congressman West. Integrity with moral clarity.
Report Post »I.Heart.America
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 1:21pmFreedom Works Petition….Support Rep. Issa….Impeach Holder
http://action.freedomworks.org/6851/tell-congress-to-investigate-eric-holder/?source=AWEHT2&gclid=CPr8i_zmzbACFcVk7AodlRQ0Wg
Report Post »TNT75
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 1:58pmWell said! I’m with you.
Report Post »armyofnibiru
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 3:55pmgowdy/paul 2012
Report Post »Unix
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 5:45pmI would vote for the Sgt at Arms handcuffing the treasonous retread. Eric the Red needs to be in prison for not just this issue but several others, including voter intimidation, and not pursuing the NBPP calling for the death of Zimm. Eric the Red is out of control and needs to be stopped, along with his buddy occupying the WH – Vote Obummer out in November, it is your DUTY!
Report Post »Mil Mom
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 12:06am@IndyGuy
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 4:26am
This Guy should be Prez
Report Post »***
Right now the nation severely needs a House and Senate full of men and women just like him. Then we need to begin criminal prosecutions and trials for treason for everyone in the cabal, and everyone who was too mushy to stand up to them.
pollyanna
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 6:59amGood job to Trey Gowdy! I am so proud of him! Yes Allen West as well…
Walberka paine…I appreciate your naivete’.
2 Thessalonians :7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,
:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a BURDEN to any of you.
:9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.
:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will NOT work, he shall not eat.”
This has nothing to do with those who CANNOT work…just those who WON’T.
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:12pm“Ohhhhh…WhataMan, WhataMan, WhataMan…:-) ” (Isn’t that how the song goes?)
Pardon me, guys; I just had to vent! Got a Hot Flash over that one!
We could do with another 400 of those in Congress!
Report Post »Maybe if we did have, the Executive and Judicial Branches wouldn’t be trampling all over the Constitution!
DomingoCafe
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:55pmIt’s appropriate to find Holder in Disneyland because you might as well be living in Fantasyland if you think for one Space Mountain second that Holder intends on cooperating!
Report Post »SREGN
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 9:18amHolder and Obama should rot in jail for the rest of their lives. It is the depth of depravity to supply guns to criminals so they can commit murder, in order to take guns out of the hands of the law-abiding.
Report Post »wordweaver
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:53pmPreach it, Trey!
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:06pmLord, I love a man with balz to tell it the way it is and not back down, when he’s right. . Love ya Trey! You give us hope. Wish the rest in congress would grow a pair.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 5:33amYes. Be a Godly man for this nation, brother. When evil men hear the truth and reject it, judgment follows. Amen.
Report Post »cristo52
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:52pmSounds like a good VP choice.
Report Post »AndySchmandy
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 4:54amBest idea I’ve heard all day! Maybe we could have him stand in for Romney at the debates! :)
Report Post »lornaduwn
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 9:52amGowdy for VP!!! Sounds good to me. I would LOVE to see this guy as President of the Senate! Maybe then we would see a little Justice from both the House and the Senate.
Report Post »Sharon Rose
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:45pmFinally somebody that has the guts to tell it like it is.
Report Post »wvgirl
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:10pmMy thoughts, exactly! I have been trying to post this article to my FB page for the last 15 minutes. I don’t know if The Blaze is censoring, or if there is a glitch. Or, perhaps FB is censoring. It has happened twice in the last two days. So here is my post:
What an inspiring speech by a brave and truth-telling patriot. That the black Democrats walked out of this vote and tried to label it as “racist” is disgusting and cowardly. We are already at war, make no mistake about it. Well done, Dear Leader.
Report Post »ConstitunalAmerican
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 12:51amThose democrats, including Former Speaker Pelosi, who walked out of Congress before the vote to find Holder in Contempt, by their actions, “Spit” on the grieving family of Brian Terry.
Report Post »Those same democrats are only concerned with party lines. America, Vote Them Out.
Zipit
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 8:47amIt now seems to be “standard operating procedure” for the dems to simply put their tales between their legs and run the other direction, ignoring the job they were sent to Washington to do, whimpering all the way! (see Wisconsin) Anyone with half a brain and a sense of right and wrong is getting just plain sick of it. It does take guts to tell it like it is, and not back down! Kudos to thi guy!!!!
Report Post »Jason W
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:35pmSo glad he is my congressman. So much better than the man he replaced. His fire burned strong but died out when he came back to congress the 2nd time. I wouldnt mind letting Mr. Gowdey take Grahams place when the time comes.
Report Post »TurboCat
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 3:59amHeyyyyy……..did anyone else notice the old guys in the row behind him? Looked like maybe something was beginning to stir in them some long forgotten ideals of who they are really there to represent and serve. I’m not a mind reader but take a look-see….. whadaya think?
Report Post »AndySchmandy
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 4:52amTurbo, Chaffetz, the younger congressman from Utah is similar in his passion and convictions. He is a blessing to all of us as well.
Report Post »SHOWMESTATEGUY
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:31pmOkay, can we just agree on one thing. Democrats are corrupt. I think even democrats can agree with that statement.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:10pmAnd at the top of that list is Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson Lee, and the one I call girly, Harry Reid. I know, I know, I missed a bunch of them, but I‘m tired and can’t think after this horrid day of bending over for the Democrat congress, all of ‘em.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 5:38amTotally. From head to toe. Every single cell in their bodies is putrid.
Report Post »IOWAGIR
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:29pmHe sounds fantastic. I have only heard of him. Hell, I would vote for him and trust his words over Obama. Wait I should spell it obama. Not even worthy of a capital O in the English language or any other for that matter!
Report Post »lynnissmart
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 8:23amIowagir: you got that right….not worthy of a capital o……
Report Post »TheCoffinMaker
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:29pmHolder to Congress:
“Hey guy’s, I’m off to Walt Disney World”
See ya!
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:28pmGood man! It’s encouraging to see a man of honor in our House. God bless him.
Report Post »Ephesians six thirteen stand
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:26pmTrey Gowdy 2016!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At least this man continues to stand and fight for the truth.
Report Post »Sad thing is, what does it matter to Obama?
He has enough minions in power to simply dodge everything. And we called Bill “Slick”. Obama makes Clinton look like super glue.
G.E.R
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:25pmThe Oscar for “Best Dramatic Performance for Re election” goes to this guy.
Report Post »oldironsides
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 12:51amYou obviously have no heart. And your soul is dead. I will pray for you. I was once so hollow myself.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 5:46amNo, dodo, that one went to the Dim drama queens who walked out.
Report Post »10-32inIdaho
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 3:13pmHow fortunate for you that you have never been touched by tragedy. The fact that he identifies with the family and has compassion for their loss is a good thing. It is either that or you have been surrounded by only people who only use others for their own gain. Either way, you should get out more.
To other posts comparing Fast one making us Furious to past programs. You”re missing some VERY important facts. The past operations tracked and recovered the weapons. Not much better until you consider the intent. Release the guns to advance a criminal investigation making arrests with the help of the Mexican goverment, or releasing thousands of guns with no recovery plan in order to advance a political agenda (gun control or ?) without notifying the neighboring country, endangering their people as well as the ones you are supposed to represent. People always justify their actions even when they are doing somehing they know is wrong. “I was treated worse”, “They have too much”. Always results in the same. “I didn’t mean for that to happen”. We are all now waiting for the last part. The apology from everyone who lost sight of their obligations and had a roll to play.
Report Post »term limits for congress
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:23pmHe’s got my vote. Romney – Gowdy 2012
Report Post »pwatkins
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:52pmSounds pretty good. May God Bless Gowdy for standing up for our country.
Report Post »lassiegirldawn
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:21pmThis is the kind of people that the Tea Party is trying to and getting in. We are tired of the same old crap and same old words. It will only take new blood in DC.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:19pmThis is the type we need in LEADERSHIP — there are many that came in 2010 — I’m sure they are totally beyond frustrated about how corrupt it is there and how impossible to get justice, etc. It’s like “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”. Need more “Mr. Smith’s” !!!! They are “low on the totem pole” unfortunately right now. We just have to keep voting in MORE like them and support and encourage these — work hard to get them in the Senate, more in the House. I just pray it isn’t too late.
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:16pmI love this guy, what a true Patriot to Eric Holder the American people want the TRUTH the Whole TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH can you handle that ? if not step down you are an embassement to the DOJ and AMERICANS
Report Post »paulwbrown
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:13pmI love this guy. What a spokesman for conservatives. Passionate, smart, articulate. At one time the great orators seemed to come from the senate. Now we have the likes of Gowdy and Col. Allen West coming from the House.
Report Post »Mr.Fitnah
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:24pmWhy aren’t they on the ballet?
Report Post »flsnipe
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:09pmGowdy seems to have some ball’s I like this guy if he sticks to his statements I will like him even more The Holder B.S that’s going on nothing but hot air smoke and mirrors while they cut a deal or shred the evidence. Any one who ever worked under cover and knows that they will be breaking the law knows that they have to get permission Or a pass of prosecution be for doing so for a felony like gun trafficking you know that went to the top HE and his boss Berry new what was going on Keep pushing
Report Post »some one will spill the truth.
TurboCat
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 3:42amWe need some more of the brave whistle blowers. And yes, they are brave, because when they were objecting to all that was going on and making calls to their higher ups they kept getting thwarted and then intimidated and then their families were threatened. That is what good and decent people get these days for doing the right thing. Just look at how the Good Guys were bullied through the latter part this investigation, culminating this week in a frenzy of opposition from our own government who We The People have the right to un-elect if we just would!
Report Post »Bluegrasstide
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:08pmI would have loved to have seen the faces of the “present” and “no” voters during this… Was this before or after the cowards walked out of the building refusing to vote. Hell, and they wonder why their job approval rating is so low…
Report Post »Walberga Paine
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:24pmoh and speaking of faces, I would have loved to have seen ALL your faces when the Supreme Court handed down their decision ~ upholding The Affordable Care Act-better known as Obama Cares! (because he does) As much as i try, I cannot begin to fathom why you all are so shamelessly selfish, wanting to deny others what you would want for yourselves and YOUR families. Living and thriving on hate in your heart and then having the nerve to call yourselves Christians. I am far from religious, trust me, but have any of you ever looked at yourselves in the mirror asking, right out loud,
Report Post »“what would Jesus do?” If you’re quiet enough for just a moment, you might get an answer.
Totally Domestic
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 12:09amWalberga,
Report Post »I don’t think Jesus would be murdering children that survived abortion as your Savior Obama
pushes for. Your Savior O is a thief and robber. Just like his father the Devil he came
to Steal, Kill and destroy. And we’re taking this country back. Deal With It!
Walberga Paine
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 12:36amSpeaking of faces, I would have loved to see ALL of your faces when the Supreme Court of the United States of America handed down it’s decision affirming the constitutionality of, and upholding The Affordable Care Act ~ better known as Obama Cares! (because he does) John Roberts was the man responsible for this history making day because he knew it was the right and moral thing to do. No matter how I I try, I cannot fathom why you republicans have become so shamelessly selfish, petty and small as to want to deny others from having exactly what you would want for yourself and your families. Seriously, can anyone out there explain this to me? And you have the nerve to call yourselves Christians. I’m not in the least bit religious, but I do know the teachings of Christ and try my best to live treating my brother and sister as I’d want my children and myself to be treated. It takes nothing away from me but the feeling it gives me is a reward in itself. When you’ve got a minute to spare, go stand in front of your bathroom mirror and ask yourself quietly but out loud, “What would Jesus do?” If you are really quiet for a moment you might just get an answer.
Report Post »Totally Domestic
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 12:58amWalberga,
Report Post »You say you know the teachings of Christ….how about Thou Shalt Not Covet
Thou Shalt Not Steal
Your comments are so repetitive……so I will repeat……Obama Makes a terrible Lord and
Savior……..you need to get off the plantation.
Max jones
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 2:02amwallberga……I’m as compassionate as i can afford, and as conservative as I can be. The choices we each make in life reward us or punish us. I am responsible for my life choices and you are responsible for yours. If you keep drinking whiskey long enough, you will need treatment to counter the damage YOU have done to your own body. If I wreck my bike I am responsible. We live in a time when a great percentage of our population is irresponsible, not only with their money but in their behavior as well. So…In your world of compassionate socialism the wastrels get sick and are rewarded with medical care they haven’t contributed to, and people who take care of themselves are forced to pay for it…punished for doing the right thing!!! Sooner or later resentment will set in and the whole thing will become unpopular, and unsustainable. YOU will be paying for treatment for wounded thugs, dopers with bad livers, hookers with std’s, promiscuous gays with aids,. and probably wannabe transexuals who need surgery to “explore” their ‘chosen’ sexual determination. To me it really does not matter: people who can‘t or won’t repent and get right with the Lord are lost anyway, and those in the Grace of God need very little else from you or anyone else. The progressives forget that most folks have little self restraint, and continually push the envelope as to what is advisable. All you libs can go ahead and try to make every one happy……it can’t be done.
Report Post »Max jones
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 2:22amWillberqa….What would Jesus do? He said repent and sin no more…..If you read the New testament, the people he healed by miracle were people who, by “no fault of their own” were crippled or blind or diseased, and also had “faith”. You can‘t do anything for people who won’t do it for themselves…that is money down the toilet. In my reading of the words of Christ, he was for separation from sin. Separation from people who continue in sin is necessary for survival. We are NOT called to help those who will not help themselves…that apparently is your job…good luck.
Report Post »10-32inIdaho
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 3:25pmThe Great Caring Dictator declared war on “EVIL” health insurance companies by forcing everyone to buy the service he states they refuse to provide after recieving payment………. This is better? We all can agree the system needed some fixing, this does not fix it. I do not want a government death panel deciding what to pay OR a CEO death panel. Really not a choice between them.
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:04pmMaybe we do have a Nigel Farage in Congress.. Keep talking I am hearing you now.. now let us see the same fire with Obamacare Mr. Gowdy! Then I will salute you!
Report Post »godhatesacoward
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:03pmIn Jesus’ name Amen!
Report Post »HumbleMan
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:30pmAmen!
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:14pmAnd Amen
Report Post »richauthor
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:01pmThis young man needs to have a seat closer to the front. He needs more visibility. He certainly does capture the tenor of my feelings right now. Bravo Congressman Gowdy!
Report Post »Z
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:00pmWell said Sir
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 8:58pmRomney / GOWDY?
Report Post »Wildblue3
Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:33pmIt coudl work but does Gowdy bring anything OTHER than enthusiasm to the ticket. ??
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 1:16amYes. He brings Competence and a Good Conscience.
Report Post »Think about that for a moment….
Now, in your mind, name off the politicians you can think of that can do the same.
Kathy H
Posted on June 29, 2012 at 12:20pmI would love to see Rmoney when elected to put him in charge of the DOJ and would love him to find a place for Allen West also these are 2 good men.
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