An internal Department of Justice investigation cleared Attorney General Eric Holder of wrongdoing in the “Fast and Furious” operation, a program that came under fire in an investigation led by California congressman Rep. Darrell Issa (R), who alleged that Holder’s negligence had botched the operation. According to Talking Points Memo, Holder released a statement slamming the investigation as a “baseless” waste of time and resources.

“It is unfortunate that some were so quick to make baseless accusations before they possessed the facts about these operations – accusations that turned out to be without foundation and that have caused a great deal of unnecessary harm and confusion,” Holder said. “I hope today’s report acts as a reminder of the dangers of adopting as fact unsubstantiated conclusions before an investigation of the circumstances is completed.”

Republicans leading the charge against Holder voted to hold him in contempt of Congress, the first time in U.S. history that an Attorney General has been handed such a ruling.