By: Congressman Frank Lucas

Lately, the media has been consumed by the controversies surrounding the White House. Among these controversies is the horrific terrorist attack on the United States diplomatic compound in Benghazi that took place on Sept. 11, 2012. As more people come forward with additional information regarding the attack on the consulate, many Americans, including myself, are still asking for the truth. The Obama Administration and the State Department have been less than forthcoming with key information on Benghazi and recent information points toward a major cover-up.

Benghazi was no minor attack, as it claimed the lives of four innocent Americans, including Christopher Stevens, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Libya. The State Department first claimed the attack was a spontaneous street demonstration protesting an anti-Muslim YouTube video that had been released. It is becoming increasingly evident that this was not the case.

There have been many disconnects between the Administration and the State Department’s stories, and this causes grave concern to me. There are still many unanswered questions that must come to light. To help disclose the truth, five separate House committees are conducting investigations into the Benghazi attack. They are all working to uncover any information the Administration and the State Department are trying to withhold.

I support all current initiatives, but also believe it is necessary to establish a select committee to exclusively devote all of its resources to unveiling the truth about Benghazi. I have co-sponsored, H. Res. 36, which establishes a select committee to investigate and report the attack. This resolution would allow the select committee to report to the House of Representatives on information, including any requests for additional security at the consulate and a definitive timeline of the events. It would permit further investigation on how the agencies responded, and the actions taken to deal with the attack. Additionally, this committee would investigate any improper conduct by officials relating to Benghazi and allow them to address other relevant issues.

I am pleased to see House Republicans taking initiative and working to uncover the facts on the attack.  There is no excuse for the negligence that occurred in Benghazi on Sept. 11, and those responsible for the deaths of four Americans need to be held accountable. I will continue to monitor the situation and do all I can as Oklahoma’s Third District Congressman to make sure the truth is revealed. The American people deserve a solid explanation. 

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