Washington (July 8, 2019) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Shelley Moore Capito (D-W.V.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today introduced bipartisan legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to J. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the nation. Stevens, Doherty, Woods and Smith were killed in the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya in September 2012.
Ambassador Stevens was serving as United States Ambassador to Libya during the attack. Doherty, a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL, was a native of Winchester, Massachusetts. Woods, a native of Portland, Oregon was also a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL. Smith had served in the Air Force where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.
“Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith and Ambassador Stevens’ commitment to country and distinguished service made them American heroes and examples of excellence that will endure forever,” said Senator Markey. “I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to honor their courage with the Congressional Gold Medal. These brave souls made the ultimate sacrifice, and we should honor their memories will this distinction.”
“Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the heroes who were killed at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi is a long overdue recognition for these brave Americans,” said Senator Isakson. “Recognizing their sacrifice for our country is not only the right thing to do, but also sends an important message of support to their families, as well as to our service members, members of our diplomatic corps and all those representing the United States in posts around the world.”
“Honoring the four brave Americans who served and died for our country during the September 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya is too long overdue,” said Senator Warren. “Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith made heroic sacrifices, and it is appropriate that this bipartisan bill recognizes them with the Congressional Gold Medal.”
“The sacrifice and memory of the brave Americans killed in the Libyan Consulate impact our hearts to this day, and they deserve to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Senator Capito. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to honor Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith.”
“We must never forget the courageous American heroes who fought to serve and protect our nation while terrorists attacked our facilities in Benghazi,” said Senator Rubio. “I am honored to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan legislation to honor their sacrifices with the Congressional Gold Medal and ensure we never forget the champions who lost their lives in service to our country.”
A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.
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