Pearce: A.G. Eric Holder is Abusing Authority

Steve Pearce

Washington, DC (July 14, 2011) Today, Congressman Steve Pearce condemned an announcement by the Justice Department that it would require gun shops in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and California to report sales of certain rifles to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The Justice Department and the ATF are recklessly abusing their authority for political gain,” said Pearce. “Attorney General Eric Holder has made it abundantly clear that he supports stricter gun control measures, such as reimplementation of the Assault Weapons Ban. This new directive from Washington smacks of partisan politics.”

Brian Terry

Recent investigations by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee have revealed the rampant dysfunction at the Justice Department and the ATF through the failed Operation Fast and Furious program, which allowed straw purchasers to send guns to drug lords and other criminals in Mexico. Evidence shows that some of these guns have made their way back to the United States, two of which were found last December near the body of murdered Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

Eric Holder

“Attorney General Holder and the ATF have clearly demonstrated that they do not have the best interests of the American people at heart,” Pearce continued. “It is senseless to give broader authority to an agency that tragically mismanaged its last attempt at border policy. Holder should focus on bringing the responsible people within his own agency to justice, instead of deflecting the seriousness of the issue by forcing more federal intrusion into the lives of private citizens.”

Pearce: A.G. Eric Holder is Abusing Authority