U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder continued to draw criticism last week from Republicans representing Florida in Congress over Operation Fast and Furious, the failed sting operation launched by theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that allowed 2,000 guns to fall into the hands of Mexican criminal cartels -- one of which was used to killed U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry in 2010.
Testifying before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Holder described the operation as flawed and reminded Congress that George W. Bushs administration did something similar.
I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today to describe the decisive action we have taken to ensure that the flawed tactics used in Operation Fast and Furious -- and in earlier operations under the prior administration -- are never repeated, said Holder. For nearly three years, I have been privileged to work with this committee to strengthen national security and law enforcement. And I am extremely proud of our record of achievement.
In recent years, the department has devoted significant resources to this fight -- and, specifically, to addressing the unacceptable rate of illegal firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico, said Holder. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of that laudable goal, unacceptable tactics were adopted as a part of Operation Fast and Furious.
As I have repeatedly stated, allowing guns to walk -- whether in this administration or in the prior one -- is wholly unacceptable. The use of this misguided tactic is inexcusable. And it must never happen again, Holder continued, while maintaining that he knew nothing about it. Soon after learning about the allegations raised by ATF agents involved with Fast and Furious, I took action designed to ensure accountability. In February, I asked the departments acting inspector general to investigate the matter; and in early March I ordered that a directive be sent to law enforcement agents and prosecutors prohibiting such tactics. More recently, the new acting director of ATF, Todd Jones, implemented reforms to prevent these tactics from being used in the future, including training and stricter oversight procedures for all significant investigations.
Guns lost during this operation will continue to show up at crime scenes on both sides of the border, Holder said. As we work to identify where errors occurred and to ensure that these mistakes never happen again, we must not lose sight of the critical challenge this flawed operation has highlighted: the battle to stop the flow of guns to Mexico.
The reforms we have undertaken do not make any of the losses of life more bearable for grieving families, Holder continued. These tragedies do, however, portray in stark terms the exceptionally difficult challenges that law enforcement agents confront every day in working to disrupt illegal firearms transfers.Operation Fast and Furious appears to have been a deeply flawed effort to respond to these very challenges. As we work to avoid future losses and further mistakes, it is unfortunate that some have used inflammatory and inappropriate rhetoric about one particular tragedy that occurred near the Southwest border in an effort to score political points.
Holder noted that the acting inspector general of the Department of Justice had launched an independent review of the incident and would provide answers. He stressed that the department is continuing to make progress on stopping the flow of illegal weapons crossing the border.
Despite this progress, we have more to do, said Holder. And each of us has a duty to act, and to rise above partisan divisions and politically motivated gotcha games. The American people deserve better. It is time for a new dialogue about these important issues -- one that is respectful, responsible, and factual.
Republicans on the committee called Holder out on his statement and actions.
Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams reminded Holder that she had served 17 years in law enforcement and that her husband, a deputy sheriff, had been killed in the line of duty.
I take issue with you saying that were trying to make political points with Officer Terrys death, Adams told Holder at the hearing. To me its personal ... its not political. One of our officers was killed with weapons that were allowed to walk. That should never have happened.
Adams pointed out to Holder that his staff had been getting memos on the operation and yet Holder continued to claim that he did not know about it. Somebody has to know something, insisted Adams.
Holder replied that he did not know about the operation and said his office had gotten weekly reports, which he urged Adams to look at, instead of memos. She then asked Holder about his emails, demanding to know if the attorney general had used his personal email account concerning Fast and Furious activities.
I dont know, Holder admitted.
Adams asked for Holder to get back to the committee with that information.
While Adams grilled Holder on Fast and Furious on Thursday, another Florida Republican in Congress demanded his resignation. From his perch on the Homeland Security Committee, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis took aim at Holder and co-sponsored a measure of no confidence in the attorney general.
"Whether he knew about this program or not, the American people have lost all confidence and trust in Attorney General Holder and his ability to lead our Justice Department," Bilirakis said.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
