Defends Previous ATF Operations as “Coordinated”

Washington, DC (Oct. 16, 2011) – In an interview this morning on CBS’s Face the Nation, Rep. Darrell E. Issa, Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, officially confirmed for the first time recent press reports alleging that so-called “gun-walking” programs occurred during the Bush Administration, much earlier than previously known. 

Without disclosing his sources, Issa defended the previous Administration’s operations as “coordinated.”

In response to a question from host Bob Schieffer, Issa stated:  “We know that under the Bush Administration there were similar operations, but they were coordinated with Mexico.  They made every effort to keep their eyes on the weapons the whole time.”

It is unclear what details Issa has about the Bush Administration programs, what documents he has obtained, or how many guns were involved, but his statements raise new questions about the genesis of Operation Fast and Furious within the Phoenix office of the ATF.                                                                                                                                      

On October 5, CBS reported that “a confidential informant has come forward with a fascinating story of how U.S. agents began letting guns ‘walk’ across the Mexican border – more than four years ago.”