Government

Rep. Jason Chaffetz Tells The Blaze Why Eric Holder Should Be Found in Contempt of Congress Today

Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz Tells The Blaze Why Attorney General Eric Holder Is in Contempt of Congress

Attorney General Eric Holder (AP)

Later today, the U.S. House of Representatives will take part in an unprecedented and historic vote where they will decide whether a sitting attorney general will face contempt of Congress charges for the first time in American history. The significance of such action cannot be understated.

Attorney General Eric Holder is accused of withholding numerous subpoenaed documents related to the failed federal gunrunning operation dubbed “Fast and Furious.“ The contempt charges along with the investigation into the reckless program have sparked a heated political debate nationwide and have been referred to by supporters of Holder and the Obama administration as ”political theater” and the result of unfounded conspiracy theories.

But Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), who has been one of the operation’s toughest critics, told The Blaze in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that for him, Fast and Furious is anything but a political exercise.

“To me it’s about truth and justice,” he said. “After meeting with the Brian Terry family and looking his mother in the eyes and shaking her hand, I feel a duty and obligation to them. And I think it’s sad and disgusting that there are people who think these are merely political points we are trying to put up on the scoreboard.”

Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz Tells The Blaze Why Attorney General Eric Holder Is in Contempt of Congress

Rep. Jason Chaffetz speaks before the House Oversight Committee (AP Photo)

Chaffetz also expressed sorrow over the lives of roughly 200 Mexican citizens that were lost as a result of Fast and Furious. And just before the congressional showdown, he sat down with The Blaze to make his case as to why the attorney general of the United States should be found in contempt of Congress at today’s House hearing.

 

“Flat Out Misled Congress”

Congress has been “exceptionally patient” with the Department of Justice when it comes to the Fast and Furious investigation, but the agency still has not complied with a Congressional subpoena and provided the requested documents, Chaffetz explained. And while Holder and his administration regularly cite the roughly 7,800 documents they have turned over, that is out of more than 140,000 documents — less than 18 percent.

Further, many of the documents the DOJ allowed Congress to review relate to the Bush-era gun-tracing operation “Wide Receiver” not Fast and Furious, according to Chaffetz.

“You don’t get to pick and choose,” he said. “There are 22 categories in the subpoena and they are expected to comply with all of them.”

In addition to withholding key information, specifically a subset of post-Februrary 4 documents, Chaffetz says officials involved in operation Fast and Furious have misled Congress on multiple occasions, regardless of whether or not it was intentional.

He pointed to a letter written to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Feb. 4, 2011 from the Justice Department that called accusations of an operation sanctioned by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) involving gun-walking “false.“ The letter also said ATF makes every effort to ”interdict” weapons that have been purchased illegally and prevent their transportation to Mexico, seemingly denying any gunrunning operation was taking place.

After the Fast and Furious scandal broke, the letter was withdrawn by the agency (Read the full letter here). Some investigators, like Chaffetz, want to know why Congress has been repeatedly given misleading information, such as the aforementioned letter and a statement made by Holder that alleged former Attorney General Michael Mukasey knew about gun-walking during the Bush administration. The statement was retracted earlier this month due to its inaccuracy.

“They flat-out misled Congress,” Chaffetz said. “There are consequences for that.”

Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz Tells The Blaze Why Attorney General Eric Holder Is in Contempt of Congress

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Still, the congressman from Utah says there is no evidence to prove Holder or anyone else in the Obama administration had foreknowledge of the tactics used in Fast and Furious or that wrongdoing occurred and that is not what he is hoping to prove. However, everything remains speculation until the truth is revealed, which he says lies in the subpoenaed documents.

“One of the best aspects of this country is that no one person is above the law,” Chaffetz told The Blaze. “I take the Constitution and the separation of powers very seriously and when you have a duly issued subpoena, you can’t ignore it. If you or I ignore it, we probably wind up in jail.”

 

President Obama and “Executive Privilege”

Members of Congress were “shocked” after President Obama asserted executive privilege over Fast and Furious documents hours before a scheduled contempt vote by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee last week, Chaffetz said. He also called Obama’s move “overly broad” and argued there are documents that do not fall under the scope of executive privilege that the committee is requesting.

Members of the House committee and representatives of House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) met with White House officials yesterday to strike a last-minute deal to prevent the contempt vote from occurring on Thursday. No such deal was reached; however, Press Secretary Jay Carney argued lawmakers were offered “unprecedented access” to DOJ documents relating to Fast and Furious during the meeting but refused to negotiate.

Chaffetz called Carney’s assertion “factually incorrect and misleading” and said Congress was offered only 30 documents that the DOJ claimed summarized some of the documents they were after.

“We want to fix this so that it never happens again. We want to find out who needs to be held accountable, who approved it, who signed off on it and we want to know why there has been an apparent orchestrated effort to conceal things from Congress,” Chaffetz added. “There will be crimes committed for years to come as a result of Fast and Furious.”

 

A Bipartisan Crusade?

Despite the partisan divide that appears to be plaguing Capitol Hill, Chaffetz is optimistic that more Democrats will put politics aside and join Republicans in uncovering the truth in Fast and Furious.

He said 31 Democrats sent a letter to the White House more than a year ago telling the Obama administration to be more forthcoming in the investigation and a report Wednesday revealed that several Democrats would likely vote yes for contempt charges against Holder.

The House will hold two separate votes at today’s session, one for criminal contempt charges and another vote that will enable a civil case to be pursued against Holder. A positive vote for criminal charges would send the case to the U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., who is under Holder. The civil contempt resolution would allow the House to go to court in an bid to force Holder to hand over documents the Oversight committee seeks.

Either way, lawmakers are unlikely to get their hands on the documents anytime soon after Obama asserted executive privilege and probable court proceedings lie ahead. Even so, Chaffetz promises the search for the truth will march on.

The full House will start legislative business at around 12 p.m. ET where debate will likely go on for hours before the vote occurs, a spokesperson for Chaffetz’s said.

You can watch Congressman Chaffetz and Holder tussle in a previous hearing regarding Fast and Furious, below:

Comments (25)

  • tj1961
    Posted on June 29, 2012 at 8:08pm

    Holder’s crap does not flush!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • walkintruth
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:06pm

    I wonder if Terry was black instead of white, if there would be more outrage in his death. It is sad to have to say this. but I don’t see anyone caring about this agents death on left. I saw more sympathy for Travon then for this agent. Does anyone think that race has played a part in this or is it simply that the democrats are going to support the AG no matter what? Just a thought.

    Report Post »  
  • bobbiejean
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 7:36pm

    When Obama issued his E.P., it was a CYA. Whose butt is being covered? His? Holders?
    Or both. This does not pass the sniff test.

    Report Post »  
  • blair152
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:37pm

    Eric Holder, when he was a Deputy Attorney General, said that “We have to brainwash people into thinking that guns are bad.” We have to brainwash Eric Holder into thinking that he’s bad.

    Report Post »  
    • NeoFan
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 3:44pm

      So where is this vote? Are our fearless leaders caving again?

      Report Post »  
  • Doc Freeman
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:14pm

    OK so Holder is held in contempt, then what? A slap on the hands, prosecuted, fired, jailed? What?

    Report Post » Doc Freeman  
  • Winghunter
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 1:24pm

    Holder’s Dubious History http://bit.ly/nLNJeA
    The AG’s Fast & Furious amnesia is reminiscent of his Marc Rich amnesia

    Holder’s Racial Incitement http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303552104577438421678904222.html
    When looking for the Attorney General’s motives, think lower

    Report Post » Winghunter  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 12:46pm

    Well, considering how things have been SCREWED SINCE 2008,
    I wonder how many ways they’re going to SCREW THIS UP?

    Sorry…but I can’t help but to feel so negative…
    NOTHING goes the way it should, anymore.

    AND IF THIS GOES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION – A BIG WHOOP!
    Because that’s about as much excitment as I can muster up right now.

    Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:58am

    Any person with a brain know that holder is in contempt of Congesss and has contempt for congress. Holder is guilty and is a criminal that needs to be impeached and jailed. If he were white he would have already been voted in contempt. Of couse…we know Congress has no testicles.

    Report Post »  
  • pap pap
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:44am

    “One of the best aspects of this country is that no one person is above the law,” Chaffetz told The Blaze. “I take the Constitution and the separation of powers very seriously and when you have a duly issued subpoena, you can’t ignore it. If you or I ignore it, we probably wind up in jail.”

    That‘s the way it’s supposed to work. When is congress going to actually do something the way it’s supposed to. Why aren’t they also going after Obummer for having czars to do congresses work and also not upholding his oath to uphold and defend the constitution and also the separation of powers issues.

    Congress needs to act now. All I am seeing is words. Words won’t build a bridge. Sweat, labor and materials build bridges. Time for congress to put on some work clothes and pick up a hammer.

    Just do something.

    Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:33am

    That health mandate that went through the U.S. Supreme court will be finessed to be livable. There is something to work with here. This thing with Holder is rotten to the core and will have to be dealt with. It is better to do this now than wait until the election is over. This man is a walking bill borad for people to engage in lawlessness in this land. This is the leadership that is being put forth.

    This Holder and Obama coverup is the one that is going to set the course for this country.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:28am

    If the leaders of this country are not held accountable, then will they ever expect the average citizen to repect and uphold the laws? They should be made to do their jobs and uphold the Constitution or get out of our business in this country.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:25am

    Who are these people to sit their selves in our leadership and then tell us to keep the laws when they lie, mock Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court, coverup and even cause the death of American citizens? These people are involved in something they do not want the Amerian citizens and or Congress to know about. Obama has inserted himself in this, either illegally or he lied when he said he was not involved. This lying to Congress and the American people should be heavily penalized to impeachment/firing/fine/jail. These people need to have a higher accountability than average citizens. These people are not in office to use the Americans as fodder for their poltical agendas. We want and demand proper leadership and adherence to the Laws of this Nation. Obama chose to run, but we have not chosen to put up with his lying, covering up and trying to blur the lines of the three branches of government. He is not serving the people of America. He is using the people of this country to install a foreign government into our land, and it is not through ignorance. This man and his cohorts need to be out as leaders in this country. They are not that stupid or ignorant; this is by design. The American public will not stand for this deceit.

    Report Post » blackyb  
    • pap pap
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:47am

      Good post BLACKYB.

      They certainly should be held more accountable than the citzens who are paying them.

      Report Post »  
  • packa14
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:19am

    Holder is a democrat trained accomplishes LIAR as well as a accomplished Obfuscator, he is not the kind of person honest enough for his position!!

    Report Post » packa14  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:02am

    Let’s hope at least THIS vote goes our way. We have to take these COMMIES to task, like NOW, before it’s too late. Tea Party revival in 2012!

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • DAVIDDUNN
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:36am

    Holder is no Ali North! But never the less I think he owes us a resignation.

    Report Post » DAVIDDUNN  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:14am

    Impeach Holder now along with Obama.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:14am

    We all have to live with whatever choices we make in life. These choices if made wrongly will stick in our minds forever or until we ask forgiveness, ..God knows the truth.

    Report Post »  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 11:01am

      I will NOT comply with being FORCED to buy insurance I don’t want and I will not pay a fine. OBAMA Told me if I like my insurance, I cand keep and if I like my doctor, I can keep her. I plan on doing JUST that. I have my own medical saving account along with a cheaper catastrophic policy and I will NOT CHANGE that for anyone!

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • barber2
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:10am

    Someone had to go under the bus….

    Report Post »  
  • Steelheadisadouche
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:08am

    JZS, Steely, encinomom, MBE, Trolls in general
    May be a good day to undergo a self induced media blackout.

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:05am

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TqYeIHiIHMk#!

    Obama knew about Gun Walking in March, 2009

    Yes .. who is he covering for? .. who knew what when? … I think we know.

    Report Post »  
    • eyestoseeearstohear
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 12:52pm

      @ CATB

      Thank YOU for that video.

      EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE & HEAR THIS.

      Probably won’t matter to Congress because Obama can tell THEM
      that THEY DON‘T SEE WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING AT….AND THEY BUY IT!

      Keep up the good work, CATB!
      I HOPE someone takes heed to this video.

      Report Post »  
    • walkintruth
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 9:03pm

      Great video CATB. Thanks.

      Report Post »  

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