Calls Contempt Citation Irresponsible, Unprecedented, and Contrary to the Rule of Law

Washington, DC (June 14, 2012)—Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent Committee Democrats draft "Dissenting Views" based on a thorough review of the Contempt Citation circulated by Committee Chairman Darrell Issa on May 3 proposing to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress.

After reviewing the legal and historical precedents of the Committee and Congress, the Dissenting Views conclude that going forward with Issa’s Contempt Citation would be “an extreme and blatant abuse of the congressional contempt power that undermines the credibility of the Committee.”

 Although the Committee and the Department have been in negotiations to arrive at a mutually agreeable accommodation, Cummings circulated the Dissenting Views because a Committee business meeting to vote on Issa’s Contempt Citation remains on the Committee’s calendar for next Wednesday. 

Cummings stated:  “I am guardedly optimistic that a path forward exists that will serve the legitimate interests of the Committee in conducting rigorous oversight, protect the legitimate interests of the Department in its ongoing investigations and prosecutions, and avoid the needless politicization of this very serious issue.”

2012-06-14.Dem Briefing Memo.062012 FC Business Mtg