The Justice Department requested that Obama assert the privilege in refusing to turn certain documents over to Congress concerning the botched gun smuggling operation
The news comes as House Republicans consider holding Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt over the Fast and Furious dispute.
In a letter to Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calf., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, a Justice Department official said executive privilege applies to documents that explain how the department learned of problems with the investigation.
I write now to inform you that the President has asserted executive privilege over the relevant post-February 4, 2011, documents,” writes Deputy Attorney General James Cole. “We regret that we have arrived at this point, after the many steps we have taken to address the Committee’s concerns and to accommodate the Committee’s legitimate oversight interests regarding Operation Fast and Furious.”
[More]
