Count Secretary of State John Kerry among the “what difference does it make?” crowd. Are you wearing your shocked face?
Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, blasted the State Department for appearing to “drag its feet” to slow the investigation into the deadly Sept. 11 attacks in Benghazi. Issa has subpoenaed four officials with “direct knowledge” of the attacks
All 4 subpoenaed officials led bureaus where @StateDept's review found deficiencies contributing to lack of security during #Benghazi attack
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) June 24, 2013
.@StateDept's persistent delays create the appearance that it's dragging its feet to slow down the @GOPoversight's #Benghazi investigation
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) June 24, 2013
.@StateDept has left me w/ no alternative but to issue subpoenas to compel testimony from these important witnesses #Benghazi #PJNet
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) June 24, 2013
Here's a link to my full letter to Secretary Kerry re: #Benghazi subpoenas http://t.co/t2nl8UtwAz #PJNet
— Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) June 25, 2013
In his scathing letter to Kerry, Issa slammed the State Department as “irresponsible” for exposing its employees “to the risks inherent in being named in a congressional subpoena” and called out the Department for stonewalling.
[T]he Department has been unable to provide firm dates for a single witness interview. In fact, it is my understanding that interviews will not occur until the middle of July because the State Department is just now preparing documents and other materials for the witnesses to review. I respect the witness’ interest in preparing to answer the Committee’s questions; however, I am concerned that waiting weeks or months while the Department prepares witnesses to be interviewed creates the risk that their testimony will have been rehearsed or coached. It does not require weeks of preparation to answer questions truthfully.
Amen.
Sharyl Attkisson reports the names of the four subpoenaed officials.
CBS: House Oversight has subpoenaed Fmr, Asst Secy of Diplomatic Security Eric Boswell, Former DS official Scott Bultrowicz…
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 25, 2013
…Fmr. Principal Depty Asst Secy Near East Affairs Elizabeth Dibble & Acting Asst Secy Near East Affairs Beth Jones.
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 25, 2013
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