Senators Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Bob Corker (R-Tn.), both members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, announced on Friday, the introduction of S. 3551, a bill that would require investigations into and a report on the September 11-13, 2012, attacks on the United States missions in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen.
The bill condemns the attacks and expresses heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and requires President Obama to submit a report on the recent embassy and consulate attacks within 30 days. It also requires the Secretary of State to submit recommended changes to security procedures at U.S. embassies and consulates within 90 days.
“The attacks on American embassies and diplomats are outrageous. The administration owes the American people detailed answers on how this happened and how it can be prevented in the future,” said Senator DeMint. “It now appears these violent acts may have been coordinated terrorist attacks against America around the anniversary of 9/11. There may have even been warnings beforehand. Americans need to know if we were properly prepared and what steps must be taken to protect our diplomats in these dangerous environments.”
“Like other Americans, I was shocked and appalled by the senseless acts of violence that took the lives of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans at our consulate in Libya this week,” said Senator Corker. “I hope this tragedy results in an opportunity for us to learn from these events and ensure we’re doing all we can to protect the brave Americans serving in diplomatic posts in dangerous parts of the world.”