The House Select Committee on Benghazi headed up by Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina released its final majority report today, after more than two years of research and hearings. In addition to the 800 page report, the committee summarized its findings in this video narrated by Rep. Peter Roskam of Illinois:
Georgia’s 3rd District Rep. Lynn Westmoreland issued this statement as part of the report:
One of the most concerning parts of the State Department’s policy in Libya was its reliance upon the militias of an unstable nation to protect our men and women in Benghazi. These were by no means forces that could adequately protect Americans on the ground, and the State Department knew it. But the appearance of no boots on the ground was more important to the administration.
Senator Johnny Isakson:
I’ve demanded answers from the Obama administration since it first became clear that Congress and the American people were not getting straight answers. For the families of the four Americans who lost their lives in the September 11, 2012, attacks on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya, today’s long-awaited report by Congress is a small piece of closure. I am hopeful that the next president will take to heart these findings, correct the deficiencies in our U.S. military response, and help prevent future American lives from being lost.
Senator David Perdue:
This report shows a systemic failure of leadership at the highest level. Four innocent Americans died and no one has been held accountable. The State Department failed to adequately protect Americans serving overseas and failed to plan ahead for potential terrorist attacks on the anniversary of 9/11 in countries plagued with instability. This cannot continue. It is clear this attack had nothing to do with a video and everything to do with government incompetence.
Democrats on the Minority Committee released their version of the report on Monday. It’s expected that the two versions will be reconciled, and a final report will be voted on on July 8th.