Benghazi Attack: Ambassador Patrick Kennedy Opening Statement

Video Description

Learn more at http://Oversight.House.Gov 1 UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE PATRICK KENNEDY TESTIMONY TO THE HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE WASHINGTON, DC WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2012 Chairman Issa, Ranking Member Cummings, members of the Committee. I'd like to open by reading a quotation to you: "Libyans face significant challenges as they make the transition from an oppressive dictatorship to a stable and prosperous democracy," but, "it is clearly in the U.S. interest," and "it will be an extraordinary honor to represent the United States during this historic period of transition in Libya." Those were Ambassador Chris Stevens' words at his Senate confirmation hearing this past Spring. They help us understand why he went to Libya, why he viewed his efforts there as important, and why it is imperative that we continue his work. Chris Stevens believed that no challenge was too big or too hard if our national security interests and our values were at stake. And that is what's at stake in Libya. Continuing the spirit of cooperation the Department has shown Congress since the attack on our post in Benghazi, we are here today to answer your questions and participate in a constructive discussion about how we can mitigate the risk of this tragedy ever happening again. We are here at your request -- and before we ourselves know all the answers or have the benefit of any reviews. You will hear from me and two of my Diplomatic Security colleagues, Eric Nordstrom and Charlene Lamb Click here for the full testimony: http://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-10-10-Kennedy-testimony-Final1.pdf