Kristina Valencia-Otte, the chief communications officer.
“In our communications with the Department of Justice and its attorneys and the House Committee, we always respect congressional committees’ oversight responsibilities. Congress has a unique responsibility in considering its own investigations into these types of matters, since the legislative branch cannot control the executive branch. We’re happy for House oversight, but we’re surprised that we need to speak with the DOJ (Department of Justice) directly about this.”
Valencia-Otte went on to say that it was a coincidence that Holder’s letter came a week after they received the briefing from House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif).
“Holder sent his letter a week after Issa had given us a briefing on that committee’s progress on the investigation to date. This timing is not coincidental and does not reflect an unusual or unusual focus on this case or our work,” Valencia-Otte said.
She said that the letter also didn’t have anything to do with the pending civil fraud charges filed in Texas over a federal housing fraud case filed in the Eastern District of Texas or the pending federal investigation in California. One of the cases is seeking subpoenas from HUD to collect internal emails on the matter.
“We took all of the time afforded to us to prepare this response. It’s been very well-publicized for two weeks. As everyone knows by now, that’s about all we know. As we’ve said all along, we’re not commenting on the case at all – that’s up to the DOJ. We welcome them to speak with us about it, as we’re always happy to talk to their investigators on it and provide information,” Valencia-Otte said.
Asked when Holder would be willing to testify about the alleged IRS targeting scandal, Valencia-Otte gave as her guess between March 9 and March 16. The official said he hoped the Justice Department would follow through with its plan to testify, scheduled to include Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer.
“We believe they are ready to do so,” Valencia-Otte said. “We’re disappointed they didn’t follow through, but we look forward to them being here Thursday as the panel’s staff meets with DOJ officials to review and discuss their plan to speak.”
Last week, Holder’s team took some heat for calling on the White House to come forward with more details about the controversial targeting