Congress Ethics

There’s No There, There

House Republicans may have another genuine, fake scandal on their hands in the form of the idea that Eric Holder lied under oath even though everything he said was factually correct.

The panel is looking at a statement Holder made during a back-and-forth with Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) about whether the DOJ could prosecute reporters under the Espionage Act of 1917, an aide close to the matter told The Hill.

“In regard to potential prosecution of the press for the disclosure of material — this is not something I’ve ever been involved in, heard of, or would think would be wise policy,” Holder said during the hearing. [...]

The panel is investigating whether NBC’s report contradicts Holder’s claim that he had not looked into or been involved with a possible prosecution of the press in a leaks case.

For all the hoopla, Fox News reporter James Rosen hasn’t been charged with anything and, if Eric Holder’s statements are any indication, he won’t be charge with anything. And given that the incident in question occurred four years ago, I believe the Department of Justice would have gotten around to it by now if that was their prerogative.

To be fair, not every Republicans on the Judiciary Committee believes Eric Holder made false statements, but those who do will be pressing ahead with this investigation.

I realize he may not have been under oath during the question and answer session, but if the Judiciary Committee wishes to investigate false statements, they should begin with the unhinged tirade Louie Gohmert lodged at Eric Holder during the Judiciary hearing in question.

There’s plenty of false statements contained in Louie Gohmert’s Two Minutes of Hate to keep the committee busy for a while.