Gohmert, Holder Exchange Words about “Fast and Furious”

WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder got into a heated argument with the Republican Congressman from Tyler Tuesday over the still-pending contempt case against him. Listen Now! Holder-Gohmert Exchange – Holder was testifying before the House Judiciary Committee when Rep. Louie Gohmert, began pressing him for documents in a separate investigation. Gohmert brought up an apparent sore spot, referencing the 2012 House vote finding Holder in contempt of Congress.

“I realize that contempt is not a big deal to our attorney general, but it is important that we have proper oversight,” Gohmert said. A visibly annoyed Holder said: “You don’t want to go there, buddy.” Leaning back in his chair, he added, “You don’t want to go there, okay?” “I don’t want to go there?” Gohmert responded.

Holder went on to say that the congressman “should not assume that that is not a big deal to me.” “I think that it was inappropriate and it was unjust, but never think that was not a big deal to me. Don’t ever think that,” Holder said, pointing his finger.

Gohmert defended his line of inquiry, saying he’s “just looking for evidence … and there have been no indications that it was big deal because your department has still not been forthcoming in producing the documents that were the subject of contempt.”

The exchange ended when Gohmert told Holder he didn’t need “lectures” from the attorney general. Holder said the same back to Gohmert.

The GOP-led House voted in 2012 to hold him in contempt for failing to provide key information on Operation Fast and Furious. That case is still being fought in the courts.