Bills
| 3.23.22

Awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the Americans Who Lost Their Lives At Benghazi (H.R. 2567)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H.R. 2567?

(Updated October 2, 2017)

This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith and their contributions to the nation. The four men were killed during an attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012.

Glen Doherty was a Navy SEAL for 12 years and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class and earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. After leaving the Navy, Glen Doherty worked with the Dept. of State to protect American diplomats.

Tyrone Woods served as a Navy SEAL for 20 years, which included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Iraq he led multiple raids and reconnaissance missions, and earned the Bronze Star. After retiring from the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, Tyrone Woods worked with the Dept. of State to protect American diplomats.

J. Christopher Stevens served for 21 years in the U.S. Foreign Service. He was serving as U.S. Ambassador to Libya and previously served twice in the country as both Special Representative to the Libyan Transitional National Council and as the Deputy Chief of Mission. Earlier in his life, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Morocco.

Sean Smith served for 6 years in the U.S. Air Force. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. After leaving the Air Force, Sean Smith served for 10 years in the Dept. of State on various assignments which took him to places such as Baghdad, Brussels, Pretoria, and The Hague.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate would be directed to arrange the award on behalf of Congress.

Argument in favor

The four Americans who were killed at Benghazi had distinguished careers and honorably served our country. As they lost their lives in the line of duty, Congress should recognize their sacrifice with a Congressional Gold Medal in their memory.

Argument opposed

While this bill may be well intentioned, it is an empty gesture that cannot replace the loss of these men. Additionally, the recognition could be overshadowed by people attempting to politicize Benghazi.

Impact

The families of Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith, J. Christopher Stevens, and Congress.

Cost of H.R. 2567

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) is a former Navy SEAL and led the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALS (BUDS) training that Tyrone Woods took part in, and became friends with Woods and Doherty. In an introductory press release, he said:

“On September 11, 2012 America lost four patriots, and in the Navy SEALS we lost two brothers. This tribute is long overdue. Honoring Ambassador Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods with Congressional Gold Medals should not be about politics; it’s about paying respect and homage to American patriots who served our nation honorably in some of our darkest hours. I am grateful for their service to our nation and will work with Senator Markey to build a large bipartisan base of support for this bill.”

This bill has 57 cosponsors in the House, including 48 Republicans and 9 Democrats.


Of Note: The attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012 was carried out by Islamic militants and marked the first time since 1979 that a U.S. Ambassador was killed in the line of duty.

A Select Committee on Benghazi was formed in the House of Representatives to investigate the attack, examine policies and decisions that preceded the attack, and make recommendations to protect U.S. personnel abroad in the future. It has held several hearings, and the video for those hearings has been made publicly available. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be appearing before the Committee on October 22, 2015.


Media:

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: "United States Marines salute during the dignified transfer ceremony for the U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens, Foreign Service officer Sean Smith, and security officers Tyrone S. Woods and Glen A. 120914-D-BW835-276" by DoD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo. (Released) - http://www.defense.gov/dodcmsshare/newsphoto/2012-09/hires_120914-D-BW835-276.JPG. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)