WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. and a House chairman, Rep. Darrell Issa, have squared off over the Justice Department’s flawed gun-smuggling probe.

Mr. Issa, California Republican, is demanding the department turn over documents about how it handled congressional inquiries after problems with Operation Fast and Furious came to light.

At the start of Thursday’s hearing, Mr. Issa said the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will do what is necessary to force the Justice Department to produce the information.

The attorney general said he will consider Mr. Issa’s demand.

Mr. Issa has threatened a contempt of Congress ruling against Mr. Holder for failing to turn over the congressionally subpoenaed documents. The lawmaker alleges the Justice Department is engaging in a cover-up.

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