WASHINGTON, DC . . . Today Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) voted with a House Majority to pass two House Resolutions holding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt for his failure to share information on Operation Fast and Furious. Fast and Furious is the failed Department of Justice gunwalking operation that allowed 2,000 weapons to get in the hands of Mexican drug cartels, and is directly linked to the death of U.S. Border Agent Brian Terry.

"Today's vote recognizes the Department of Justice's unwillingness to assist Congress in its effort to uncover the truth about the circumstances which led to Border Agent Terry's death," said Hall. "For nearly a year and a half, Congress has made multiple attempts to negotiate with Attorney General Eric Holder and the Justice Department."

Hall continued, "Rather than work with Congress and provide information that can bring justice to Agent Terry's family, Attorney General Holder and the Justice Department have blocked our efforts. The Justice Department directed witnesses not to answer entire categories of questions, and Attorney General Holder repeatedly gave false testimony."

H.Res. 711, which passed 255-67, holds Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for failing to cooperate and failing to provide over 90% of documents identified as relating to Operation Fast and Furious. H.Res. 706, which passed 258-95, allows the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to seek subpoena enforcement from a U.S. District Court judge.

"It is the responsibility of Congress to hold the Justice Department accountable and ensure the truth is revealed to the American people. The Attorney General's blatant prevention and obstruction of justice is intolerable. This contempt vote is necessary in order for truth to be revealed to the American public and Brian Terry's family to receive proper justice."  

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