SENATOR MARCO RUBIO

“Sen. Marco Rubio broke with two fellow foreign policy hawks this morning on whether U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice’s statements about the Benghazi incident automatically disqualify her from leading the State Department.  “I think if you’re going to have a fair process to evaluate someone, you can’t go in having already made up your mind,” Rubio said” [Tampa Bay Times, 11/15/12]

SENATOR BOB CORKER

“But unlike others, Corker would not say whether Rice could be confirmed. ‘You have to give someone a full hearing,’ Corker said.” [McClatchy,11/14/12]

SENATOR RAND PAUL

“Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky told CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront” that someone should lose their jobs over Benghazi but Rice should not be the issue. … Paul said he did not want to ‘pre-judge’ any nomination for the secretary of state.” [CNN, 11/15/12]

Top Republicans Reject Idea of Select Committee on Benghazi

HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER

When asked about McCain’s call for a special committee on Bengazi Boehner said, “At this point, I think that the standing committees of the House, whether they be the (State Department) oversight committee or the intelligence committee, are working diligently on these issues.” [McClatchy,11/14/12]

SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE RANKING MEMBER RICHARD LUGAR

“Is a Senate select committee on Benghazi a good idea? Dick Lugar says ‘On balance, no.’” [Tweet by Huffington Post’s Mike McAuliff,  11/14/12]

SENATE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE RANKING MEMBER SUSAN COLLINS

“Not all Republican senators agree with the need for a special select committee. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she did not ‘see the benefit’ of such an approach, noting the Homeland Security Committee has government wide jurisdiction and ‘a history of producing comprehensive bipartisan reports.’” [NBC News, 11/14/12]

I was deeply disturbed and saddened to learn of the deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other American personnel in an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Libya. I join President Obama in condemning these senseless acts of violence. And my thoughts are with the families of those who were killed in this horrific attack.

It is too often forgotten that American diplomats risk their lives on a daily basis. Our diplomatic corps is filled with admirable and dedicated public servants. And the four Americans who lost their lives yesterday exemplified the courage and sacrifice that happens every day at diplomatic posts across the globe.

I have traveled to many of America’s embassies abroad, and I have always been impressed by and grateful for the leadership and commitment of America’s ambassadors and State Department personnel. Ambassador Stevens was a career Foreign Service officer and a former Peace Corps volunteer, who spent his life giving of his time and his talents to promote democracy and American values.

I support President Obama’s directive to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the world, and to provide whatever resources necessary to keep our personnel in Libya safe. And I will continue to the monitor the situation as we learn more about these terrible events.

“For too long, Moammar Qaddafi caused fear and suffering among Libyans, and fostered instability and terror around the world.

“Thanks to President Obama’s leadership, our military’s strength, the cooperation of our NATO allies and the bravery of tens of thousands of ordinary Libyans who stood up to oppression, Qaddafi will never again harm another human being.

“With Qaddafi’s fate sealed, it is critical that we work with our allies in NATO and the region to integrate Libya into the international community of free, democratic nations. I look forward to building a strong relationship with a democratic, prosperous, and peaceful Libya.”

“The American people stand behind the people of Libya as they bring an end to Moammar Qaddafi’s regime of murder and oppression. I commend the President for his leadership, and the members of our armed forces, NATO, and our allies for protecting the Libyan people as they pursue their right to freedom, to self-governance, and to see this ruthless dictator brought to justice. The situation in Libya is still fluid, and the potential for violence is not over. But as we approach a post-Qaddafi era, the international community will look to the leaders of the opposition to implement a peaceful transition to democracy. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, President Obama and our allies to encourage that process.”

“The United States has a proud history of standing alongside those who stand up for their own freedom. This month, as Moammar Gaddafi’s forces massed outside the rebel-held city of Benghazi, Libya and prepared to inflict further atrocities on the Libyan people, we acted to stop this deadly advance. Our men and women in uniform have performed bravely and with unwavering commitment to liberty.

“As the president said, we did not act alone, but with a broad and determined group of international allies. The responsibility of securing a no-fly zone over Libya as set out by the UN Security Council resolution has been shared by that coalition, which includes several Arab partners. The burden will also be shared going forward, as America’s role changes and we turn this mission over to NATO on Wednesday. America and its allies stand alongside the Libyan people as they determine their future. While I support the president’s decision not to commit ground troops to this mission, I share the President’s determination to see this tyrant removed from power.

“Going forward, Congress will continue to monitor the situation in Libya, carrying out our Constitutional oversight responsibilities. We are watching closely and earnestly encouraging this progress toward real change in Libya and throughout the Middle East.”

“The agreement among all 28 member nations of NATO to take command over enforcement of the no-fly zone over Libya is a clear sign of progress in our efforts to halt Moammar Qaddafi’s brutal campaign to slaughter his own people. I am pleased to see the coalition’s mission progressing according to the plan outlined by President Obama. Our military, in concert with our allies, has been successful in destroying Libya’s air-defense capabilities and establishing a secure no-fly zone. Because President Obama assembled a broad international coalition that includes Arab nations, we are able to turn over enforcement of the no-fly zone to our allies even as we continue to pursue a broad range of military, diplomatic and economic actions aimed at ending Qaddafi’s reign completely. NATO’s direction of continuing air operations will be joined by sustained international efforts to isolate and oust this brutal dictator.

“As this effort moves forward, I look forward to continued consultation from President Obama and his administration in accordance with Congress’ Constitutional role.”

“I support the actions taken today by our allies, with the support of several Arab countries, to prevent the tyrant Moammar Qaddafi from perpetrating further atrocities on the people of Libya. And I support the President’s decision to deploy U.S. assets to help those allies to enforce a no-fly zone to protect Libyan civilians as laid out in the United Nations resolution. This U.S. military action was not taken lightly, and it was done in concert with a broad international coalition. Yesterday the President presented Qaddafi with the option of pursuing an immediate cease fire and other actions, and outlined the consequences if he refused. Qaddafi rejected the offer, and continued to launch attacks on the people of Libya. With our allies, it is crucial that we ensure the Libyan people do not suffer any more at Qaddafi’s hands.”

“Like many Americans, I have watched the atrocities perpetrated by Moammar Qaddafi in horror, and that’s why I am pleased with the resolution passed by the United Nations. It was an important step for the international community to take action to prevent Qaddafi from perpetrating further atrocities. And I support the President’s decision to work with our allies to enforce a no-fly zone and take other actions to protect Libyan civilians. Today the President presented Qaddafi with a clear choice and outlined the very serious consequences of ignoring the demands of the people of Libya and the international community.

“I believe the broad multilateral approach the President laid out will greatly improve the effectiveness of our efforts. The coalition we are working with includes not just our European allies, but also members of the Arab League. Qaddafi has lost legitimacy and it is only a matter of time before he is out of power. Together with our allies, we should work to ensure that Qaddafi’s transition out of power is swift, and that the people of Libya do not suffer any more than they already have.”