Three Republicans seek probe of Benghazi attacks

WASHINGTON – Three Republican senators on Wednesday demanded the creation of a special panel to investigate the September attacks on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz,. joined Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., in saying the standard congressional committees aren’t up to the task of unraveling the complex series of diplomatic, military and intelligence missteps tied to the tragedy in Benghazi.

“While we await the findings and recommendations of the (Obama) administration’s internal review, it’s essential for the Congress to conduct its own independent assessment,” McCain said at a news conference. “There is no credibility amongst most of us considering the administration and the numerous controversies and contradictions that have been involved in their handling of this issue.”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, rejected the need for a special panel and said her committee is adequate to probe the security lapses before and during the nighttime military-style raids on the consulate. “We’re the committee that should do it; we’re the committee with responsibility for oversight and that has the authority to do it,” Feinstein told reporters.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, also said he didn’t think a special committee is necessary.

McClatchy-Tribune