Republican-led committee files civil suit against Attorney General Eric Holder

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has filed a civil lawsuit against the Attorney General of the United States, in an effort to obtain internal documents pertaining to the controversial Fast and Furious case led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Committee members originally subpoenaed the documents in October 2011, hoping they would shed light on how leaders within the Department of Justice handled the case. 

Specifically, Committee leaders hoped the records would show what transpired within the Department of Justice after false information about the controversial gunwalking tactics was delivered in a February 4, 2011 letter to Congressional investigators.

President Barack Obama blocked the release of documents in June, by asserting his executive privilege.

THE CIVIL COMPLAINT

Monday, the Committee filed a civil complaint in federal court, asking a court to “rule that President Obama’s assertion of executive privilege was invalid and compel Attorney General Eric holder to produce subpoenaed documents,” according to the Committee.

“President Obama exceeded his authority,” said Rep. Darrell Issa, the Committee Chairman.

“Waiting nearly eight months after the subpoena had been issued to assert a meritless claim of privilege, the President’s decision was a calculated political maneuver designed to stop the release of documents until after November’s elections,” Issa said.

RANKING DEMOCRAT REACTS

Rep. Elijah Cummings, the Ranking Member of the Committee issued the following statement:

It seems clear that House Republican leaders do not want to resolve the contempt issue and prefer to general unnecessary conflict with the Administration as the election nears,” he said in a statement.

Unfortunately, the American public suffers as House Republicans disregard the real work that needs to be done.

THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RESPONDS

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice responded to the suit by insisting the DOJ has always tried to cooperate with the Congressional investigation.

"We were always willing to work with the Committee," said Tracy Schmaler, a spokesperson for the DOJ.  "Instead the House and the Committee have said they prefer to litigate."