This afternoon, the House of Representatives voted Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for his failure to submit subpoenaed Justice Department documents. The 255-67 vote came after a heated debate in which many house democrats argued the vote being an election year gimmick. 108 democrats walked out, abstaining from the vote. 17 democrats joined the republican vote in favor of the contempt charge.
The Attorney General has failed to comply with a House Committee that has asked him to turn over information regarding Operation Fast and Furious, a botched gun-walking scheme that was directly responsible for the deaths of over 200 Mexican citizens, and at least one US Border Patrol Agent.
Holder is the first US Attorney General to be found in contempt. It is also the first time a sitting member of the presidential cabinet has been charged.
It is unlikely that Holder will face any jail time or other penalties for the contempt charge. Efforts to impeach the Attorney General would have to be taken with the Justice Department, of which Holder is in charge.
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