WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s (FL-18) bipartisan legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the heroes who gave their lives defending the United States’ consulate in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012. The bill, H.R. 310, was coauthored with Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-8).

At the time of the horrific terror attack, J. Christopher Stevens was serving as United States Ambassador to Libya.  He was a member of the Career Foreign Service.  Glen A. Doherty and Tyrone Woods were combat-decorated U.S. Navy SEALS, and Sean Smith had earned the Air Force Commendation Medal for his service in the U.S. Air Force.

“These four Americans represented the best of our country.  They were committed to advancing the cause of freedom around the globe, and they gave their last breath for that fight,” Rep. Mast said.  “I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the highest civilian honor Congress has to offer.”

The House bill was approved in a unanimous vote and garnered the support of 293 cosponsors.  Senator Ed Markey (MA-D) introduced companion legislation in the Senate, where it has 48 cosponsors.  In 2020, the bill passed the Senate with 67 votes.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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