[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H6076-H6079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE FOUR UNITED STATES PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO DIED IN LIBYA

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 786) honoring the four United States public 
servants who died in Libya and condemning the attacks on United States 
diplomatic facilities in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 786

       Whereas, on September 11, 2012, terrorists attacked the 
     United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing four 
     United States citizens, including the United States 
     Ambassador to Libya, John Christopher Stevens, Foreign 
     Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith, and 
     security officers Tyrone S. Woods and Glen A. Doherty, and 
     injured other United States citizens;
       Whereas, on September 11, 2012, violent protesters stormed 
     the United States embassy in Cairo, Egypt, committing acts of 
     vandalism and violence and endangering the welfare of United 
     States diplomats;
       Whereas, on September 13, 2012, violent protestors were 
     repelled from an attempt to storm the United States embassy 
     in Sana'a, Yemen;
       Whereas Ambassador Stevens was a champion of the Libyan 
     people's efforts to remove Muammar Qaddafi from power, and 
     served as Special Envoy to the Libyan Transitional National 
     Council in Benghazi during the 2011 Libyan revolution;
       Whereas, on a daily basis, United States diplomats, 
     military personnel, foreign service nationals and locally 
     employed staff, and other public servants make professional 
     and personal sacrifices to faithfully serve the United States 
     and its people to advance the ideals of freedom, democracy, 
     and human dignity around the globe;
       Whereas many United States diplomatic facilities remain 
     threatened by terrorist attacks or violent protests in the 
     wake of these attacks; and
       Whereas Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic 
     Relations obligates host governments to ``take all 
     appropriate steps to protect the premises of the [diplomatic] 
     mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any 
     disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its 
     dignity.'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the selfless commitment to United States 
     national security and to Libya's hard-won, transitional 
     democracy by the brave United States citizens who lost their 
     lives in the unjustified attack on the United States 
     consulate in Benghazi, Libya;
       (2) expresses its deepest condolences to the families and 
     loved ones of those United States public servants killed in 
     Benghazi, Libya;
       (3) condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorists 
     who planned and conducted the attack on the United States 
     consulate in Benghazi, Libya, and those who vandalized the 
     United States embassies in Cairo, Egypt, and Sana'a, Yemen;
       (4) expresses profound concern about the security situation 
     in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen, and with the continuing threat 
     posed to the region and United States interests by extremists 
     and terrorists;
       (5) appreciates the actions of those who sought to protect 
     the United States diplomats and diplomatic facilities;
       (6) reaffirms that nothing can justify terrorism or attacks 
     on innocent civilians and diplomatic personnel;
       (7) calls upon all governments to continue to work closely 
     with the United States Department of State to ensure security 
     of diplomatic facilities throughout their countries, to 
     secure their borders, and to aggressively combat terrorists 
     and extremists who operate within their sovereign territory;

[[Page H6077]]

       (8) calls upon the Governments of Libya, Egypt, and Yemen, 
     in full cooperation with the United States Government, to 
     investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of these 
     attacks; and
       (9) reiterates the United States commitment to promoting 
     its core values, including support for democracy, universal 
     human rights, individual and religious freedom, and respect 
     for human dignity.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and to insert extraneous material into the Record on this measure.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I want to thank Speaker Boehner, Leader Cantor, Leader Pelosi, and 
Mr. Hoyer for spearheading this critical resolution about the recent 
terrorist attacks.
  Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of Ambassador 
Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glenn Doherty, and 
all of those injured in the attack. Our condolences must also go out to 
the entire U.S. diplomatic corps.
  On the 11th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, radical 
Islamists attacked the United States mission in Benghazi, and our 
Ambassador and three other State Department personnel were murdered. 
Concurrently, in Cairo, our Embassy was assaulted by a mob of 
extremists who breached its walls and desecrated our American flag.
  Since that fateful day, Mr. Speaker, we have witnessed a dramatic 
escalation of anti-American protests and actions throughout the region, 
from assaulting the Embassy in Tunis to the attack on peacekeepers in 
the Sinai.
  The premise that the violence and the protests are solely based on 
that obscure, hateful video is patently false. Rather, it is 
symptomatic of a broader effort by our enemies in the region to foment 
hatred of the U.S. Yet the hesitation on the part of this 
administration and the schizophrenia in response to this latest crisis 
is a cause for concern.
  The U.S. has nothing for which to apologize, including the exercise 
of freedom of expression. Surrendering our principles before an unruly 
mob or violent extremists will only embolden the likes of al Qaeda and 
reinforce the notion that more attacks against the United States will 
change core American policies and American principles.
  The perpetrators of the attacks must be held accountable by our 
allies in the region, and the administration must take the lead. There 
is no excuse whatsoever for attacking diplomatic missions and murdering 
diplomats. The administration must place the governments on notice that 
their conduct during this crisis will determine the nature of our 
relations moving forward.
  The Libyan and Yemeni Governments have both apologized for and 
strongly condemned the attacks on U.S. diplomatic posts in their host 
countries. They have been fully cooperating with us. By contrast, the 
Egyptian Government took over a day to issue a weak statement 
discouraging violence against foreign embassies, but it was, alas, too 
little, too late.
  This cannot happen again, and Congress will be closely monitoring the 
ongoing protests and reassessing our assistance packages and our 
approaches based on the responses of the governments to assaults on our 
embassies and our institutions.
  The lack of a firm response will undermine our U.S. interests in the 
region. We must clearly articulate and implement a policy that rewards 
our allies, encourages moderate forces within the region, and punishes 
our enemies.
  At this critical moment, Mr. Speaker, the United States must reaffirm 
support for our friends and allies and clearly differentiate them from 
our enemies.

                              {time}  1430

  The United States must continue to stand up for American values and 
stand with the voices of moderation.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in strong support of this resolution honoring Ambassador 
Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty, and Tyrone Woods, four 
patriotic Americans who lost their lives in a cowardly and despicable 
attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
  On a daily basis, the men and women of the State Department assume 
great risks in dangerous locations all over the world. They conduct 
diplomacy, promote democracy, build civil society, educate, mediate, 
negotiate, and defend U.S. interests worldwide. They are the face of 
America abroad; and our country is safer, freer, and more prosperous 
because of what they do.
  Ambassador Stevens was one of our best and brightest--and most 
courageous. He had served in Israel, Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia; 
but Libya became the centerpiece and defining mission of his career. He 
was on the ground in Benghazi leading U.S. diplomatic efforts from the 
earliest days of the revolution. He worked tirelessly on behalf of 
U.S.-Libyan relations and the well-being of U.S. citizens living in 
Libya. I am particularly angry that this sickening attack occurred in a 
country that the U.S., with Chris Stevens in the lead, did so much to 
liberate.
  Ambassador Stevens will be missed for his knowledge of the Middle 
East, his exemplary commitment to service, his warming and welcoming 
personality, and his basic human decency.
  Sean Smith, a Foreign Service information officer, was a father and 
10-year veteran of the U.S. State Department. Prior to arriving in 
Benghazi, he served in Brussels, Baghdad, Victoria, Montreal, and The 
Hague.
  Glen Doherty was a former Navy SEAL from Boston. He was killed while 
serving on the Ambassador's security detail and helping to evacuate the 
wounded.
  Tyrone Woods spent two decades as a SEAL, was a father of three, and 
had worked protecting diplomats in dangerous posts for the past 2 
years.
  Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all 
the dedicated public servants whose lives were lost.
  Libya owes the American people a full investigation of this incident, 
in complete cooperation with U.S. authorities. The killers must be 
found and brought to justice. I stand by ready to assist in any way I 
can.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio 
(Mr. Kucinich).
  Mr. KUCINICH. I certainly join with my colleagues in mourning the 
passing, under tragic circumstances, of Ambassador Stevens, as well as 
the deaths of Sean Smith and security officers Tyrone Woods and Glen 
Doherty, as well as all those who were injured. I think that all of us 
can agree that what happened to Ambassador Stevens and the rest of the 
diplomatic staff should concern everyone, concern all Americans. These 
attacks were wrong, and it's appropriate that we honor Ambassador 
Stevens.
  The resolution, as I read it, is not complete, though, because this 
discussion that we're having here on the floor is missing some 
elements; and I'd like to bring them forward right now.
  We have to ask the question: Why was that consulate in Benghazi, 
Libya, so lightly defended to begin with? Did anyone know that Benghazi 
was still a flash point? I mean, we overthrew the government. Did 
anyone know that when the government fell, al Qaeda's flag was flying 
over Benghazi? Did anyone know about al Qaeda's presence in Libya that 
came after the war? That would have been a constant factor to be 
mindful of with respect to protecting those who serve. Why wasn't more 
care given to protect U.S. personnel?
  The other thing is, there were warnings in diplomatic circles, 
specifically with respect to Libya, because of the ferment that has 
been going on in the broader Muslim world. These are concerns that 
should be discussed by the

[[Page H6078]]

Congress. It doesn't take away anything from the sacrifice that was 
given, but we have to ask some questions here.
  We also have to be aware that U.S. policy in Libya is murky at best 
and a huge mistake at worst. We had debates on this floor about Libya, 
and we know that Congress was not consulted. The current issue of 
Vanity Fair is worth the attention of every Member of Congress because 
it made it abundantly clear on what is a prime constitutional 
responsibility of Congress. Article I, section 8, the power to declare 
war, was essentially usurped by the administration. This is not a small 
matter. Would we have been in Libya if Congress had had an upfront vote 
immediately?
  Two days ago, we celebrated Constitution Day. Are we celebrating the 
Constitution every day or just one day? There are consequences for not 
following the Constitution; there are consequences for our citizens 
here at home and citizens abroad. This needs to be brought up in the 
context of this debate.
  We cannot pretend that United States policy--which often lacks 
congressional involvement--with drones flying over Yemen and Somalia 
and Pakistan and Afghanistan and innocents killed, that there's not 
going to be blow-back or a backlash. It is wrong for any of our people 
to have their lives on the line where they lose their lives. It's 
awful.
  I stand here today in support of this resolution only because I want 
to be on record as joining my colleagues on this matter of making sure 
that we pay tribute to those whose lives were put on the line for this 
country. But let me tell you, we cannot ignore the deeper questions 
here: Why wasn't that consulate well defended? We cannot ignore the 
question: Why wasn't Congress consulted on the decision to go to war 
against Libya? There are consequences for these things.
  The whole country should mourn Ambassador Stevens' death and the 
deaths of all of those who proudly serve this country who were taken in 
this fit of outrage that swept across Libya, but we need to remember a 
few other things too about how we got there and why those people who 
put their lives on the line to serve, why their lives were put in 
jeopardy.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to yield 1 minute to 
our esteemed majority leader, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor).
  Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentlelady for her leadership in bringing 
this resolution forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to condemn 
the violence against our diplomatic missions in Libya, Egypt, Yemen, 
and elsewhere.
  We acknowledge and honor the personal sacrifice of the brave 
Americans who gave their lives in service to our Nation. U.S. 
Ambassador Chris Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management 
Officer Sean Smith, and Security Officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty 
tragically lost their lives far from home in Benghazi, Libya, where 
they were promoting American interests and helping the Libyan people 
secure the hard-fought gains of the revolution. These heroes died 
upholding the liberty, democracy, and moderation we value as a Nation.
  In the wake of their deaths and the ongoing protests and violence, 
Americans want to know what our strategy is for protecting our 
diplomats, our interests, and our values in a region that is undergoing 
a profound--and unfortunately sometimes violent--political 
transformation.

                              {time}  1440

  Americans are rightly worried about the anti-Americanism and Islamic 
extremism that has reared its head. I share the concern that Americans 
have about the situation in the Middle East, and I believe the 
President should explain his strategy for navigating the uncertain 
waters before us.
  But I know that one policy we must not pursue is to turn our back on 
this troubled region. Withdrawing from the region would embolden the 
extremists and justify Osama bin Laden's strategy, leaving the 
moderates who share our values and who desire democracy to combat the 
forces of violence alone.
  We are not alone in this fight. From Morocco to Indonesia, there are 
brave Muslims who oppose violence, who desire good relations with the 
United States, who respect religious freedom, and who risk their lives 
by preaching tolerance and moderation. We should redouble our efforts 
to stand with these Muslims who seek to protect a great religion from 
being subverted by extremists.
  We should not abandon Libya because terrorists seek to undermine a 
government that is making progress towards establishing a democracy and 
that is joining the fight against terrorism.
  Egypt's democratic revolution is unfinished, and much work remains to 
ensure that its first election is not its last. We should work with 
Egypt's leaders to help them build a democracy that respects individual 
rights, women, and religious freedom while being clear that we will not 
tolerate policies that give any ground to terrorists or undermine our 
security or that of our ally Israel.
  American assistance is not an entitlement, and Congress expects 
Egypt's new leaders to respect the parameters and conditions of our 
generous aid.
  America must not abandon its partners, just as we should not 
apologize for our perceived sins. We must demonstrate leadership. We 
should lead a coalition against the radical mullahs in Iran who foment 
instability and support extremists throughout the region. America 
should combat Iran's support for terrorism and thwart its aspirations 
for nuclear weapons.
  America should be leading an international effort to bring 
overwhelming pressure on the Assad regime in Syria to end, once and for 
all, its state sponsorship of terrorism and to bring about a new 
government in Syria before that society fractures beyond repair.
  Mr. Speaker, America has long been a force for good and stability in 
the Middle East. When we have retreated in the past from playing this 
role, we have paid dearly. Withdrawing from Lebanon in the 1980s ceded 
that country to Syria and Hezbollah. Failing to respond to al Qaeda's 
attacks in the 1990s led Osama bin Laden to believe he could attack the 
American homeland.
  The extremists in the region believe today, as bin Laden believed 
then, that we do not have the stomach to defend our friends and our 
interests, that we will abandon the Middle East. We must prove them 
wrong by responding to this challenge with purpose and strength. We 
must stand with our friends and hold our enemies to account.
  Mr. ENGEL. I have no further speakers. I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to reinforce a few points. 
First, our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of the 
American diplomats murdered in Libya as we stand with them in this 
difficult time.
  Secondly, there is no excuse whatsoever for attacking diplomatic 
missions and murdering diplomats.
  Third, the U.S. has nothing for which to apologize. Let us not 
apologize for the exercise of freedom of expression. The perpetrators 
of these attacks must be held accountable.
  Finally, the United States Congress will be reassessing our 
assistance packages based on the responses of the various affected 
governments to assaults on our embassies and our institutions. Nothing 
can justify the terrorist attacks carried out against our fellow 
Americans, our diplomatic posts, and our U.S. interests around the 
world.
  The Americans killed were committed to helping the Libyan people, 
committed to help them secure a better, more stable, more peaceful 
future. Yet, radicals, the radicals who seek to hijack such freedom, 
security, and prosperity from the people of the Middle East and in 
North Africa, those who deny their own people basic human rights and 
universal freedoms, answered our dedication and our commitment of these 
courageous Americans by burning our mission and killing our diplomats.
  So let us be clear: no apologies are needed. Nothing justifies these 
violent actions.
  And to the people throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and 
throughout the world who are oppressed, the United States and our 
personnel overseas stand with you. We stand for freedom, despite the 
threats from extremist elements.

[[Page H6079]]

  With that, Mr. Speaker I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you and the 
other members of our House leadership for introducing this important, 
bi-partisan resolution.
  Tragically, our country will now be commemorating not only the 
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, but also the attacks on the 
United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that occurred on the same 
date last week.
  The four U.S. citizens who lost their lives, especially Ambassador 
John Christopher Stevens, and those who were injured in this 
unjustified act of violence demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to 
our country's national security and Libya's democracy. I would like to 
convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
  I also want to express my ongoing support and gratitude for all the 
Foreign Service men and women who are promoting American values and 
interests abroad. It is on occasions such as this that we are reminded 
of the many sacrifices that they make in service to our country. In 
addition to living in foreign lands away from their families and 
adapting to new cultures and languages, many of them daily face the 
possible ultimate sacrifice of their lives. The violence that occurred 
last week at our diplomatic missions in several countries must renew 
our national commitment to doing our best to ensure their safety.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no justification for the recent attacks on U.S. 
diplomatic missions and the taking of innocent American lives in 
Benghazi. All governments must take appropriate measures to ensure the 
security of U.S. diplomatic facilities within their borders, and to end 
these acts of terrorism.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 786.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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