Rep. Trey Gowdy with the Latest on Fast and Furious

Published on May 11, 2012
Duration: 11:12

This video discusses the ongoing investigation into Operation Fast and Furious and the Department of Justice's (DOJ) non-compliance with congressional subpoenas. Representative Trey Gowdy expresses frustration with the DOJ's stonewalling and highlights the need for accountability, particularly concerning the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The discussion touches on legislative actions, including amendments to withhold funding from the DOJ, and the potential for bipartisan support to enforce subpoenas. Gowdy emphasizes that compliance with lawful subpoenas is not optional and that failure to do so undermines the justice system.

Quick Summary

Representative Trey Gowdy emphasizes that compliance with lawfully executed subpoenas is not optional. He discusses legislative efforts, including withholding appropriations from the DOJ, to ensure accountability in investigations like Operation Fast and Furious, highlighting the need for bipartisan support to uphold the rule of law.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Pressure on DOJ
  2. 00:18Amendment to Withhold DOJ Funding
  3. 00:30Bipartisan Amendments and Support
  4. 00:57Cutting Senior DOJ Official Salaries
  5. 01:14Future of the Investigation
  6. 01:36Breaking from Leadership
  7. 01:41Constituent Questions on Eric Holder
  8. 02:03Subpoena Compliance is Not Optional
  9. 02:20Political Exercise vs. Policy
  10. 02:42Bipartisan Support for Enforcement
  11. 03:03Non-Partisan Approach to Justice
  12. 03:16Hypothetical Republican AG Scenario
  13. 03:30US Attorney in South Carolina
  14. 03:42Justice System and Politics
  15. 03:49Excuses for Non-Compliance
  16. 04:10Subpoenas as Empty Paper?
  17. 04:22Urgency from Colleagues
  18. 04:31Chairman Issa's Role
  19. 04:53Support from Joe and Paul
  20. 05:01Urgency and Public Expectation
  21. 05:07Brian Terry's Family and Truth
  22. 05:15Unaccounted Weapons and Future Crimes
  23. 05:23Deaths of Mexican Citizens
  24. 05:29Lack of Accountability
  25. 05:37Thumbing Their Nose at Oversight
  26. 05:45Nothing Working, Need to Act
  27. 05:52Destroying the Justice System
  28. 06:06Different Rules for Governors?
  29. 06:14Consequences for Ignoring Subpoenas
  30. 06:19Contempt Charges Process
  31. 06:29AG Enforcing Against Himself
  32. 06:37Presidential Intervention
  33. 06:43AG Holder's Dilemma
  34. 07:03Believing in Seriousness of Action
  35. 07:11President Standing by His Man
  36. 07:15President's Constitutional Flexibility
  37. 07:23Re-election Motivation
  38. 07:35AG as an Albatross
  39. 07:52Obama Threatening Veto
  40. 08:01Blocking ATF Gun Reporting
  41. 08:06Senate's Long Nap
  42. 08:21Frustration with Senate Inaction
  43. 08:36Campaign Mode and Re-election
  44. 08:45Tailored Messaging for Re-election
  45. 09:00Flexibility in Second Term
  46. 09:10Scandal After Scandal
  47. 09:17Going Around the Law
  48. 09:21Constitutional Law Scholar
  49. 09:26Secretary Sebelius Hearing
  50. 09:39Annoyance with Constitutional Questions
  51. 09:46Different Way of Governing
  52. 09:52Constitution as Supreme Law
  53. 10:04Ranchers' Concerns
  54. 10:11Border Security Concerns
  55. 10:16Fast and Furious Concerns
  56. 10:22November Election Importance
  57. 10:31Merit in Focusing on November
  58. 10:36Avoiding Unforced Errors
  59. 10:39Persuading People to Govern
  60. 10:45Doing Right and Principled Things
  61. 10:52No Argument Against Subpoena Compliance
  62. 10:56Anarchy as the Only Other Argument
  63. 11:01Pressing the Issue for Confidence
  64. 11:05Bold and Courageous Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions

What legislative actions are being taken regarding the DOJ's non-compliance with subpoenas?

Congress has passed amendments to withhold appropriations from the Department of Justice (DOJ) if they continue to mislead or stonewall investigations. These measures aim to pressure the DOJ into compliance by impacting their funding, reflecting a strong stance on congressional oversight.

Why is compliance with subpoenas considered crucial in the Fast and Furious investigation?

Compliance with subpoenas is seen as fundamental to the rule of law. The speaker argues that if a lawfully executed subpoena can be ignored without consequence, it suggests a two-tiered justice system, undermining public trust and the integrity of the legal process.

What are the potential consequences for Attorney General Eric Holder if he continues to defy subpoenas?

If the Attorney General continues to defy subpoenas, Congress may pursue contempt charges. The speaker suggests that the President might intervene to avoid political fallout, potentially leading to the Attorney General facing consequences such as entering private practice.

Is there bipartisan support for enforcing subpoenas against the DOJ?

Yes, there is significant bipartisan support. Democrats have voted in favor of amendments targeting the DOJ's appropriations, and several representatives have publicly stated their support for enforcing subpoenas that require the Attorney General to turn over documents related to the investigation.

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