Statement on Contempt of Congress Resolution

“I joined the majority of my colleagues on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee today in voting to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for his continued refusal to provide the necessary documents in the investigation of Operation Fast and Furious.  Holding public officials in contempt of Congress is a very serious matter and this is not a vote that I cast lightly. 

Yet accountability and transparency are at the heart of good government. The tragic death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry underscores the need to uncover the truth surrounding Operation Fast and Furious and ensure that such a reckless operation is never conducted again. The Justice Department has been forced to retract several false statements to Congress, serious accusations have been made regarding retaliation against whistleblowers, and the Justice Department has refused to produce the subpoenaed documents, despite multiple opportunities to do so.  I urge Attorney General Holder to provide the documents that he is obligated to provide under subpoena, thereby allowing Congress to complete a thorough and open investigation of this matter.”