Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04) has sponsored legislation calling for the House to impeach Attorney General Eric Holder for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Congressman DesJarlais released the following statement: “It is unfortunate we have gotten to this point, but Attorney General Holder has left us with no other option. Despite being held in contempt of Congress, Mr. Holder has continued to show an utter disregard for the very laws he swore to uphold.
“We have seen the attorney general refuse to comply with a congressional subpoena and perjure himself before the House Judiciary Committee. It seems Mr. Holder has confused his job to enforce the law with a permission to disobey it. The conduct displayed by the attorney general would lead to criminal charges being filed against any other American. Mr. Holder should not receive special consideration solely based on his title.
“President Obama has shown time and time again he is unwilling hold anyone in his administration responsible for their actions. This sends the troubling message that he is either complicit in these wrongdoings or feels his administration is unaccountable to the American people – both of which are unacceptable.
“As our nation’s top law enforcement officer the attorney general is supposed to set an example. Instead his actions have provided a blueprint to those who seek to thwart justice. We must not stand for this. While my decision to impeach the attorney general was not reached lightly, I firmly believe it is the correct one.”
The articles of impeachment lay out four charges against Mr. Holder:
- Refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on October 12, 2011, seeking information and documents regarding Operation Fast and Furious. This is a violation of 2 U.S.C. 192.
- Failure to enforce multiple laws, including the Defense of Marriage Act, the Controlled Substances Act, and the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986. This is a violation of the oath Mr. Holder swore to "well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office" of Attorney General.
- Refusal to prosecute the IRS officials involved in the targeting and disclosure of tax records belonging to political donors. This is a violation of the oath Mr. Holder swore to "well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office" of Attorney General.
- False testimony under oath before Congress on May 15, 2013, about the Justice Department investigation of journalist James Rosen. This is a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1621.
