Benghazi Committee Gains Historic State ARB Document Access

April 30, 2015
Press Release
Documents Turned Over Two Years After Initial Congressional Request

Washington, DC—Select Committee on Benghazi Chairman Trey Gowdy today announced the committee has received more than 4000 pages of documents and notes from the State Department Benghazi Accountability Review Board. The collection of documents marks the first time that proceedings from a State Department ARB have been turned over to Congress, according to State.

“The Benghazi Committee continues to build the most comprehensive and complete record on what happened before, during and after the Benghazi terrorist attacks,” said Gowdy, R-S.C. “Contrary to those who said all had been asked and answered, the Benghazi Committee has shown there is more still for Congress to consider. The committee will provide the final, definitive accounting of what happened with regards to Benghazi, reaching conclusions based solely on facts. Getting this production from State’s Benghazi ARB is an important part of ensuring the committee has access to all the facts.”

Gowdy went on to note that while he is pleased the Benghazi Committee was able to reach an agreement to gain access to the Benghazi ARB information, it took two years from when the information was first subpoenaed before records were produced to Congress. That happened after the Select Committee reinitiated an outstanding subpoena issued by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in 2013. Gowdy also added the committee is still waiting for State to produce additional documents and records requested or subpoenaed by the committee to be produced 

“I appreciate the historic nature of State’s document production and recognize the importance of State’s response,” Gowdy said. “It is my desire to see similar breakthroughs reached on the committee’s outstanding document requests and subpoenas. If State will work with the committee, we can expedite the pace of the committee’s work.”

Because of the need to ensure the integrity of the committee’s final review, and at the request of State, Gowdy said he would not characterize the specific content of the documents. He added the ARB documents will help the committee in its review and its review of the aftermath of the Benghazi terrorist attacks.

 

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