PA Bill Number: HB335

Title: In inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons.

Description: In inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons. ...

Last Action: Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS

Last Action Date: May 6, 2024

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McConnell says Holder 'misled' Congress :: 12/19/2011

Attorney General Eric Holder and senior Justice Department officials have "misled" Congress about a failed government operation that provided firearms to Mexican drug cartels, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday.

"I don't know what they've got to hide," the Kentucky Republican said on "Fox News Sunday."

McConnell said "it's really quite unusual to be stonewalled like this" by "high officials" of an administration.

The minority leader also suggested Lanny Breuer, who heads the Justice Department's criminal division, has not been honest with lawmakers.

"I understand it's embarrassing for them," McConnell said.

When pressed on whether he believes Holder knowingly misled lawmakers, McConnell backed down, saying he does not know.

Holder has come under criticism for his handling of the ATF's Operation Fast and Furious, a botched gun-tracking program that oversaw the sale of thousands of firearms to known and suspected straw purchasers for Mexican drug cartels.

Many of the weapons sold in Fast and Furious are now suspected of being on Mexican soil, and two of the guns were found at the murder scene of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry last December.

GOP lawmakers have criticized the operation and repeatedly questioned Holder, who has denied knowledge of Fast and Furious. Some Republicans have called for his resignation.

McConnell said he is not, at this time, calling for Holder - or anyone else involved - to resign or be fired.