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Rep. Kelly Statement on Resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder

September 25, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today in response to the announcement of Eric Holder’s impending resignation as U.S. Attorney General.

“Today’s announcement is a welcome yet long overdue relief for every American who believes in the integrity of our nation’s laws. From obstructing the truth behind the Fast and Furious operation to supporting President Obama’s circumvention of Congress to change laws, and so much more in between, Mr. Holder has repeatedly demonstrated his failure to properly do his job. Time and again, his crass neglect for transparency and enforcement of law amounted to a dereliction of duty. Looking ahead, I sincerely hope that Mr. Holder’s successor will bring fresh air and renewed discipline to the Justice Department and a firm respect for the Constitution as expected of the highest lawyer in our land. The American people deserve nothing less.”

NOTE: On June 29, 2012, Rep. Kelly – as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) – joined a majority of the House of Representatives in voting to hold Attorney General Holder in contempt of Congress for his failure to comply with investigations into the Justice Department’s failed “Fast and Furious” operation. Rep. Kelly questioned AG Holder about the operation several months prior at an OGR hearing, which can be viewed here.

On February 12, 2014, Rep. Kelly authored and submitted a letter to AG Holder requesting an explanation of the Constitutional authority under which the Obama administration is carrying out the president’s pledge to use his “pen” and “phone” to “take executive actions and administrative actions” affecting existing laws without congressional involvement. The letter, which can be viewed here, was co-signed by 20 Members of Congress. The Justice Department has still not responded to Rep. Kelly’s request.

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