Political Quotes

“And my colleagues, I believe the whole House and the American people deserve to know how I came to the decision that brings us here today. On September 11, 2012, a terrorist attack on our consulate in Libya left four of our countrymen dead, including our Ambassador. Since that time, four committees of the House have been investigating these events, and those committees have done exemplary work. Chairman Issa, Chairman McKeon, Chairman Rogers, Chairman Royce, and all the members of their respective committees deserve our gratitude; but last week, a line was crossed in two places. First, it came to light that the White House did more to obscure what happened and why than what we were led to believe. Second, we now know that the administration defied a formal congressional subpoena. Our committees sought the full truth, and the administration tried to make sure that they wouldn't find it, which means they tried to prevent the American people from finding the truth as well. In my view, these discoveries compel the House to respond as one institution and establish one select committee, a committee with robust authority, a committee that will do its work while the House continues to focus on the people's priorities. I have asked the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Gowdy) to chair this panel. He is a well-respected Member of this body, and he has my complete confidence. I will convey to you what I conveyed to him.…”