US Attorney General Holder says contempt of Congress ruling 'truly absurd'

Washington, June 29 (ANI): United States Attorney General Eric Holder, held in contempt of Congress for refusing to hand over set of files on a failed gun-running investigation, said that the move was 'misguided' and lawmakers had been circulating 'truly absurd' conspiracy theories.

"It will not distract me from the important tasks that are our responsibility," The BBC quoted Holder, as saying.

In a 255-67 vote, 17 Democrats joined the Republican-dominant House of Representatives to pass the resolution.

According to report, Holder is the first sitting attorney general of the United States to be held in contempt of Congress.

The White House had refused to hand over files that inform how problems with 'Fast and Furious' emerged.

American agents had lost track of hundreds of illegal guns that were smuggled from Arizona to Mexico to target dealers.

Two of the weapons were found in December 2010 at the scene of a U.S. border agent's murder. Fast and Furious ended in early 2011.

The House also voted 258-95 to ask the courts to force Holder to turn over the documents.

The roots of the current Congressional investigation began on February 4, 2011 when the U.S. Justice Department sent lawmakers a letter denying they had sanctioned, or otherwise knew about guns illegally ending up Mexico.

The Department of Justice said it has denied access to the files because they contain information that could affect ongoing criminal investigations. (ANI)