Top Republican lawmakers opened the door to negotiating with Eric Holder Wednesday in order to potentially avoid a contempt vote in Congress, a day after the attorney general said he's willing to make "compromises."

Republican lawmakers and Holder are at a standoff over documents pertaining to the failed Fast and Furious gunrunning operation. 

After Holder said he's willing to reach a compromise, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., on Wednesday sent a letter to the attorney general urging him to make the committee an offer. 

"Let me be clear -- if the Department of Justice submits a serious proposal for how it intends to alter its refusal to produce critical documents subpoenaed by the Committee, I am ready and willing to meet to discuss your proposal," Issa wrote. 

The congressman did not set any conditions for what he wants to see in Holder's offer.