Real News From The Blaze:' House Votes Contempt for Holder

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in criminal and civil contempt of Congress Thursday, for refusing to produce requested documents related to the failed federal gunrunning Operation “Fast and Furious.” The vote came down largely along party lines with the exception of 17 Democrats siding with with Republicans on contempt, and 2 GOP congressman siding with the minority. Holder became the first sitting attorney general ever to be held in contempt by Congress.

CNN reports that a large number of Democrats -- including members of the Congressional Black Caucus and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi -- walked off the House floor in protest and refused to participate in the criminal contempt vote.

Holder released a statement after the House voted to hold him in contempt, saying Republicans have advanced “truly absurd conspiracy theories” to advance the politically motivated vote.