Rep. Kelly Votes to Hold Attorney General Eric Holder in Contempt of Congress

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) voted today to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for withholding documents regarding Operation Fast and Furious, the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) failed gun-running program that has been linked to deaths in both Mexico and the United States, including the death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The criminal contempt resolution passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 255-67.

Rep. Kelly issued the following statement:

“Attorney General Eric Holder’s refusal to turn over critical information to Congress regarding the Fast and Furious operation was an unfortunate choice that Mr. Holder made. All that Congress, the Terry family, and the American people ever wanted were answers to some very basic questions, like who knew what and when did they know it. Mr. Holder chose secrecy over transparency, blocking Congressional oversight of a government program that led to the loss of hundreds of lives and increased violence along our nation’s border. This operation had multiple implications that the American people have a right to fully comprehend. Today’s bipartisan vote is part of our continued commitment to get to the bottom of the truth about this deadly operation and the DOJ’s highly suspect handling of it.”

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