Issa has called for a special investigator to examine the Atty. General's knowledge of the program

The ATF program has become a political hot button topic. The program allowed drug cartel operatives to purchase firearms in Arizona. The ATF lost track of 1,400 to 2,000 firearms, some of which have surfaced at crime scenes of drug violence. Several assault rifles were found at the crime scene where a Customs and Border Control agent was killed.

Issa appeared on Fox News Sunday, accusing Atty. General Eric Holder of knowing about the program earlier than Holder has previously admitted. He has called for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate Holder. 

"Such irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric must be repudiated in the in the strongest possible terms," Holder said in response to Issa's accusations.

Issa says he is trying to make sure such mistakes "can't happen again."