I am proud to have stood with my Democratic colleagues in Congress last week, with U.S. Atty Gen. Eric Holder and President Obama to oppose the outrageous attempt by Republicans to hold Mr. Holder in contempt.
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We have witnessed an extremely partisan and irresponsible attack on the Attorney General based on lies and unfounded claims.
This egregious abuse of power by House Republicans distracts both Congress in their duty to pass legislation that is pertinent to the American people as well as the Dept. of Justice’s ability to investigate and pursue real crimes.
I was proud to join the walkout, and you can see me in the second row, to the right, in the nearby picture.
I made the following statement after Democratic Members of Congress, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, walked off the floor of the House rather than participate in the outrageous vote to hold Mr. Holder in contempt for allegations in the Fast and Furious investigation. The walkout was initiated by the Congressional Black Caucus and expanded by the Hispanic, Asian Pacific American and Progressive Caucuses. A large number of Members of the entire Democratic Caucus also participated in the walk-out.
Here is what I said:
“Today, I am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in Congress, and behind Attorney General Holder and President Obama to oppose this outrageous attempt by my Republicans colleagues to hold Attorney General Holder in contempt. We’re witnessing an extremely partisan and irresponsible attack on the Attorney General that is based on lies and baseless claims.
“This egregious abuse of power by House Republicans distracts both Congress in their duty to pass legislation that is pertinent to the American people as well as the Department of Justice’s ability to investigate and pursue real crimes. No other cabinet official in U.S. history has been held in contempt of Congress. I join Democrats today as we refuse to play election-year politics when the American people need us the most.”
