From Attorney General Eric Holder’s opening statement at the House Judiciary’s Fast and Furious hearing:
“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.”
“Despite this progress, we have more to do. 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.”
“ATF agents who testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform this summer explained that the agency’s ability to stem the flow of guns from the United States into Mexico suffers from a lack of effective enforcement tools. One critical first step should be for Congress to provide ATF with the tools and authorities it needs. Unfortunately, earlier this year, the majority of House Members voted to keep law enforcement in the dark when individuals purchase multiple semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and long guns like AK-47s in gun shops in four Southwest-border states.”
