Holder to Testify on 'Inexcusable' Gun-Running in Fast and Furious Hearing
Attorney General Eric Holder is set to testify in a congressional hearing today that it was “inexcusable” for federal law enforcement agencies to allow guns to cross the border as part of a gun-trafficking investigation called Operation Fast and Furious.
Politico obtained Holder’s prepared remarks. “As I have repeatedly stated, allowing guns to ‘walk’—whether in this administration or in the prior one—is wholly unacceptable,” Holder will testify. “The use of this misguided tactic is inexcusable. And it must never happen again.”
Holder will also testify that Justice Department leaders were not informed about questionable tactics until they became public knowledge.
Holder will testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The Associated Press says the hearing is expected to be “rancorous,” while CNN forecasts “a heated session.” Several Republican lawmakers have called for the resignation of Holder as well as Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer.
Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley has said Breuer should resign for two reasons: Brewer didn’t tell superiors about a previous probe that used the same tactics and gave misleading answers about a letter submitted to Congress that denied any gun-running operation.
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Ex-US Attorney Admits Leaking Memo Intended to Make ‘Fast and Furious’ Whistle-Blower Look Bad”
ABAJournal.com: “Did Attorney General Fudge Fast and Furious Testimony? DOJ Offers Explanation”
ABAJournal.com: “Case of Freed Grenades Suspect Played Role in Ouster of US Attorney, ATF Director”
ABAJournal.com: “US Atty for Ariz. Resigns, Minn. US Atty Promoted in Shake-Up re Botched ATF Gun-Running Probe”
