It's the excuse Department of Justice officials have been using for more than a year to avoid answering questions about the fatal program infamously known as Operation Fast and Furious: We can't talk about it until the Inspector General investigation is complete.
The incomplete IG report was delivered to DOJ shot callers two weeks ago and since then, DOJ and ATF officials have locked themselves in a room with no computers, cell phones or other electronic access daily for two weeks, pouring over the details of the report.
Next week, DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz will testify before Congress about his findings and will take questions about the completed internal investigation into Operation Fast and Furious.
“For a year and a half, Attorney General Eric Holder has cited the ongoing Inspector General investigation as his reason for declining to hold those responsible for reckless conduct in Operation Fast and Furious to account. Next week, this excuse for delaying action ends,” said Chairman Darrell Issa. “Although I am concerned that the Justice Department has not given the Inspector General full and unfettered access to all relevant information, Inspector General Horowitz’s report and testimony should add to the understanding of the operation and numerous related management failures at the Department.”
Horowitz replaced former DOJ Inspector General Cynthia Schnedar in March 2012, the internal investigation into Fast and Furious started around April 2011. Schnedar worked for Holder during his time as U.S. Attorney in Washington D.C. and although Horowitz will take questions about the IG report from Congress, Schnedar did the bulk of the work and "investigation" into the operation.