May 8, 2014

Boehner Makes the Case for Benghazi Select Committee

Boehner: “We will not take any shortcuts to the truth, accountability, or justice”

WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) took to the House floor this afternoon to seek his colleagues’ support for the formation of a select committee to investigate the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya that cost four Americans their lives.  Boehner said that the House is compelled to respond as one institution in light of new evidence that the Obama administration is continuing to deny the House, and the American people, the full truth.  Following are Boehner’s remarks:

“I believe the whole House – and the American people – deserve to know how I came to the decision that brings us here today.

“On September 11, 2012, a terrorist attack on our consulate in Libya left four of our countrymen dead, including our ambassador.  Since that time, four committees of the House have been investigating these events, and those committees have done exemplary work.  Chairman Issa, Chairman McKeon, Chairman Rogers, Chairman Royce, and all the members of their respective committees deserve our gratitude.

“But last week, a line was crossed in two places.  First, it came to light that the White House did more to obscure what happened – and why – than what we were led to believe.  Second, we now know that the administration defied a formal congressional subpoena. 

“Our committees sought the full truth, and the administration tried to make sure that they wouldn’t find it.  Which means they tried to prevent the American people from finding the truth as well.

“In my view, these discoveries compel the House to respond as one institution, and establish one select committee.  A committee with robust authority.  A committee that will do its work while the House continues to focus on the people’s priorities.

“I’ve asked Mr. Gowdy of South Carolina to chair this panel.  He is a well-respected member of this body, and he has my complete confidence.

“And I will convey to you what I conveyed to him.  This doesn’t need to be, shouldn’t be, and will not be a partisan process.  Four Americans died at the hands of terrorists in a well-coordinated assault. And we will not take any shortcuts to the truth, accountability, or justice.  And we will not allow any sideshows that distract us from those goals.

“Our system of government depends on transparency and accountability.  Either we do this well or we face the terrifying prospect of our people having less knowledge and less power over their own government.  And we owe it to future generations to make the right choice.

“So I ask all the members of this body to reflect on this matter, and ask you to support this resolution.”

NOTE: A comprehensive list of materials associated with the House’s Benghazi investigation to date is available at gop.gov/Benghazi.


Democratic Reactions...

Pelosi Statement on House Vote on Select Committee on Benghazi

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement regarding the House vote to establish a Select Committee on Benghazi:

“Democrats continue to mourn with the families of those who lost their lives in Benghazi.  Their deaths were a national tragedy, and we must always act in a manner that respects their memory and works to prevent future loss of life.

“Republicans’ unending eagerness to exploit these deaths is disrespectful to their families and unworthy of the American people.  Our nation deserves better than yet another deeply partisan and political review.  It is disappointing that Republicans blocked a proposal offered by Democrats on the House floor today to ensure that this committee is truly bipartisan and fair – a proposal that would have allowed Democrats a real and equal voice on the committee, including on the issuance of subpoenas, the manner in which witnesses would be questioned and deposed, and the specific protocols governing how documents and other information would be obtained, used, and potentially released by the committee.

“It is clear that House Republicans will do anything to divert attention away from their failed leadership and do-nothing record.  As they work to feed the most conspiracy-obsessed elements of their base, millions of Americans are languishing thanks to Republicans’ refusal to act on the urgent business before our nation: renewing emergency unemployment insurance, raising the minimum wage, and creating jobs.”

DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz on the Establishment of the Select Committee on Benghazi

Earlier today, the DNC released a new video, “When in doubt, #Benghazi,” on the GOP’s politicized vote. Watch here.

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today on the establishment of the Select Committee on Benghazi:
 
“The attacks in Benghazi on September 11, 2012 – in which four Americans died courageously serving their country – were a national tragedy. The American people join their families in mourning their loss.
 
“Such a tragedy requires our leaders to take action that can prevent a similar incident from occurring ever again, as the Obama Administration and Democrats in Congress are working to do. But House Republicans have demonstrated that they would rather spend their time exploiting tragedy in a crass political ploy to motivate their base for the midterm elections and to raise money.
 
“More than a year and a half removed from the Benghazi attacks, it is not a coincidence that the creation of the select committee follows in the wake of positive news concerning Republicans’ previous obsession, the Affordable Care Act.
 
“With Republicans insisting on the establishment of a special committee, Democrats offered several criteria, including equal representation, which would at least ensure the proceedings were conducted in a bipartisan and fair manner. Republicans rejected these principles and awarded the Chairmanship to a member who has embraced conspiracy theories and already called this a trial.
 
“While Republicans waste taxpayer time and money on more political theater, Democrats will remain focused on strengthening security at our embassies and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice while prioritizing solutions to improve economic security for middle class American families.”
 
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