[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1614-E1615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE FOUR UNITED STATES PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO DIED IN LIBYA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
786. I join President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and my 
colleagues in Congress in condemning these attacks in the strongest 
possible terms. The attacks on our embassies in Cairo, Egypt and Sana, 
Yemen and the violent assault on our consulate in Benghazi, Libya were 
shocking and unacceptable.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the four U.S. 
embassy employees, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens, who lost 
their lives in the attack. Their courageous service represents the very 
best of America and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Every day, 
America's diplomats serve their country by promoting our interests and 
values around the world. This difficult task becomes even more daunting 
and important in unstable countries where young democracies are 
struggling to take root in the presence of violent opponents and in the 
shadow of historical oppression.
  As our nation grieves this loss we must also strengthen our resolve. 
The changes brought by the Arab Spring are still unfolding. It is 
crucial for the United States to engage in these countries and support 
their transition to stable democracies that respect religious rights, 
human rights, especially the rights of women.
  In closing, the outpouring of condolences from the citizens of Libya, 
including those in Benghazi, is heartening. I was struck by the image 
of a young Libyan women holding a sign written in English so it would 
be understood by Americans that said ``Thugs and killers don't 
represent Benghazi or Islam.'' Ambassador Stevens believed these voices 
would

[[Page E1615]]

ultimately triumph in Libya and we honor his memory by standing 
steadfast with them in their democratic journey.

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