[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 183 (Wednesday, December 16, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8725-S8726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Ms. Ayotte, Ms. Warren, Mrs. 
        Feinstein, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Merkley, and Mr. Rubio):
  S. 2407. A bill to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to 
each

[[Page S8726]]

of J. Christopher Stevens, Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith 
in recognition of their contributions to the Nation; to the Committee 
on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, on September 11, 2012, militants attacked 
the Temporary Mission Facility of the United States, and its personnel, 
in Benghazi, Libya. As the attack unfolded, our people attempted to 
defend the Mission and protect United States diplomatic personnel. 
Tragically, they did not succeed and four brave Americans sacrificed 
their lives.
  Today, along with Senators Ayotte, Warren, Feinstein, Boxer, Wyden, 
and Merkley, I am introducing legislation to honor Ambassador J. 
Christopher Stevens, Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith by 
posthumously awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition 
of their selfless service and extraordinary contributions to the 
nation, at the cost of their lives. These distinguished public servants 
and warriors made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, and their 
memories will live on as an inspiration to all for their bravery and 
commitment to our Nation.
  J. Christopher Stevens was serving as United States Ambassador to 
Libya and previously served twice in the country, as both Special 
Representative to the Libyan Transitional National Council and as the 
Deputy Chief of Mission. He served in the United States Foreign Service 
for twenty-one years. Public service was his life work. He started his 
career serving as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Morocco.
  Glen A. Doherty grew up in Winchester, MA. He was a Navy SEAL for 
twelve years. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, attaining the rank of 
Petty Officer First Class and earned the Navy and Marine Corps 
Commendation medal.
  Tyrone Woods was a Navy Seal for 20 years. He also served in both 
Iraq and Afghanistan, attaining the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer 
when he retired. In Iraq, he led multiple raids and reconnaissance 
missions and earned the Bronze Star.
  Both Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were working to protect American 
personnel abroad when the Temporary Mission Facility of the United 
States in Benghazi, Libya, was attacked. As the coordinated attack 
unfolded, Glen and Tyrone exposed themselves to enemy fire as they 
engaged attackers armed with guns, mortars, and rocket-propelled 
grenades. Their ultimate sacrifice saved the lives of American 
personnel who were rescued and safely returned to their families.
  Sean Smith served in the Air Force for 6 years, attained the rank of 
Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. After 
leaving the Air Force, he served in the State Department for 10 years 
on various assignments which took him to places such as Baghdad, 
Brussels, Pretoria, the Hague, and Tripoli.
  As their careers attest, all four men served our Nation honorably and 
with high distinction and utmost bravery. They made the supreme 
sacrifice for our country, and this medal represents the deep gratitude 
of a nation that will never forget their heroic service.
  I ask all Senators to join me in support of this legislation to 
posthumously award these four brave American heroes the Congressional 
Gold Medal for giving our Nation their last full measure of devotion.

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