Issa said he recently reviewed six wiretap applications approved by top DOJ officials indicating that they knew about, and should be held responsible for, not stopping the most controversial aspect of the botched gun-tracking operation.

In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder on Tuesday, Issa stated that a “remarkable” and “immense” amount of detail was contained within the applications about the tactics of “gun-walking” — letting guns go into the hands of known or suspected criminals — that were used in Fast and Furious. …

“The applications discussed — in no uncertain terms — the reckless tactic used in Operation Fast and Furious,” Issa wrote. “In light of the information contained in these wiretap applications, senior Department officials can no longer disclaim responsibility for failing to shut down Fast and Furious because they were unaware of the tactics used.”