Although several members of Congress have now called on Attorney General Eric Holder to resign over Operation Fast and Furious, he appeared to dismiss the congressional investigation into the program as not “important” when reporters asked about it on Tuesday.
“We have sent thousands of pages of documents,” Holder said in response to a question about whether he’ll be complying with new subpoenas expected to be heading his way this week. “We’ll look at the subpoenas. I’m sure we will undoubtedly comply with them.”
“But what I want the American people to understand is that in complying with those subpoenas and dealing with that inquiry, that will not detract us from the important business we have to do here at the Justice Department, including matters like the one that we have announced today,” Holder continued.
When a reporter followed up and asked the Attorney General if he knew about the “controversial tactics” employed in Fast and Furious, Holder refused to answer and walked off the stage.
This latest episode comes after House oversight committee chairman Rep. Darrell Issa told Holder on Monday that, “[w]hether you realize it yet or not, you own Fast and Furious.”
Top Justice Department officials have continually refused to answer questions from press or from Congress except in extreme circumstances. Also, the DOJ’s story — and Holder’s — has changed multiple times throughout the course of the months-long investigation. (RELATED: Md. Senate candidate: Justice Dept. reform needed to prevent future ‘debacles’)
DOJ spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler did not answer when TheDC asked her if Holder’s comments and actions on Tuesday indicate he thinks the congressional investigation into Fast and Furious is not “important.”
Holder was holding the press conference to talk about a foiled terrorism plot.
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