Benghazi

Earlier this month I sent a fax to my three Congressional representatives.  All three responded affirmatively that they will continue to work to get to the bottom of this debacle.  In time we will see.  Here is the letter from our senior Senator.

Thank you for contacting me about the ongoing investigation into the events that transpired on September 11, 2012, against our diplomatic mission to Benghazi, Libya.  I appreciate your concern  on this important issue.

As you are aware,  extremists, some of whom are affiliated with al-Qa'ida, launched a n assault against our  mission in Benghazi, Libya, on the night of September 11, 2012.  As a result, US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other brave Americans lost their lives.  These Americans risked their lives to serve the interests of our country and assist the people of Libya, and I am outraged by this senseless violence.  My deepest sympathies go out to the ir families; they continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. 

As Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) , I began receiving initial reports of the attack and began working closely with my colleagues on the Committee to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.  In the wake of the attack,  I  continue to be disappointed with  lack of  the information sharing and transparency of the  Obama  Administration on this critical issue.  US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice delivered politically motivated comments on behalf of the Administration, repeatedly referencing a YouTube video and spontaneous protest that did not occur.  The Administration continues to avoid questions from Congress and complicate our inquiry in the matter.

O n October 9, 2012, I joined with Senators McCain, Graham, and Ayotte in sending letters to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, CIA Director David Petraeus, and John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, asking them to respond to specific questions regarding the shifting official explanations surrounding the murder of our fellow Americans in Benghazi.  In numerous other letters and communications with the Administration, I have sought documents and witness testimony for the Committee's review.  It is imperative that the American people get straightforward answers on these egregious  attacks   in order  to understand  not only what went wrong, but to also prevent any such loss of life in the future.

We began the  classified  hearing process on November 15, 2012, with the first closed hearing on the issue.  Those giving testimony included Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, FBI Deputy Director Sean Joyce, Under Secretary of State for Management Pat Kennedy, National Counterterrorism Center Director Matthew Olsen , and Acting Director of the CIA Michael Morell .  The following day, former CIA Director David Petraeus testified before SSCI .  As  the  SSCI moves forward with our review of this tragic incident, we are focusing on what is now known about the events of September 11, who was responsible for the attack, and what efforts are being made to find and hold those responsible to account.    We are also examining the Intelligence Community's collection capabilities in the Middle East and North Africa, to include the levels of funding and availability of intelligence personnel with language and other skills necessary to operate in that part of the world.  Finally, we are assessing the level and adequacy of security at the State Department and other U . S . government facilities in the Middle East and North Africa, and whether current arrangements for providing security at these facilities are appropriate.   The SSCI Chairman agreed to my October 26, 2012, request to hold an open hearing, which will be held after we review all relevant materials and develop findings.

Where the Administration has lacked initiative in thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the attack in Benghazi, I joined my colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham, in demanding access to suspected terrorist Ali Ani al Harzi, whom we believe to be connected to the Benghazi attack.  Through our work with the FBI and Tunisian government, the U.S. will have access to Tunisian national al Harzi in furtherance of our investigation of this terrible attack.

I will continue to work diligently through the Committee to ensure the American people receive the proper information surrounding the events in Benghazi on September 11, 2012.  As the SSCI continues its hearing process and we look for answers and lessons from this tragic incident, I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind.

If you would like to receive timely email alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at:  www.chambliss.senate.gov .    Please let me know whenever I may be of assistance.

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