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Republicans have sought to cut hundreds of millions of dollars slated for security at U.S. embassies and consulates since gaining control of the House in 2011.
Democrats are scrutinizing the GOP proposals in the wake of attacks on U.S. embassies and consulates in the Middle East, one of which saw Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three other Americans murdered.
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This is a disturbing example of the Republicans meat-ax approach to cutting every aspect of the government, no matter how essential, said Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Charles Schumer (N.Y.) in a statement to The Hill.
Republicans hit back, saying the GOP-controlled House has voted for money to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff overseas, and accused Democrats of using last weeks violence to score cheap political points.
It is extremely distasteful that some ill-informed Democrat staff are using the instability and violence abroad to score cheap political hits, said Jennifer Hing, communications director for the House Appropriations Committee.
For over a decade, the Congress has made strong and necessary investments to ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic facilities and staff overseas, Hing said.
About the only merit conservatives have in their Benghazi hysteria is the notion that security was inadequate at our diplomatic mission in that city.
Unfortunately, it's an inadequacy Republicans have been trying to exacerbate over the last year.
[A]s part of the Republican majority that has controlled the House the last two years, Mr. Issa joined in cutting nearly a half-billion dollars from the State Departments two main security accounts. One covers things like security staffing, including local guards, armored vehicles and security technology; the other, embassy construction and upgrades. In 2011 and 2012, President Obama sought a total of $5 billion, and the House approved $4.5 billion.
Utah teabagging Rep. Jason Chaffetz has been a leading proponent of Benghazi conspiracy theories, yet even he isn't shy to proclaim his votes against diplomatic security:
OBRIEN: Is it true that you voted to cut the funding for embassy security?
CHAFFETZ: Absolutely. Look, we have to make priorities and choices in this country.
The state department might have to cut the new car budget. But they had enough money for Carilone Kennedy to be transported to her ambassador's office in a gilded carriage. It's all about the priorities.
And yet they still try to blame President Obama for what they did.
Embassy security?
WHAT embassy security?
How can anyone cut what Cankles Clinton has proven does not exist?
Embassy security?
WHAT embassy security?
How can anyone cut what Cankles Clinton has proven does not exist?
Ask Boehner.
He's the one who pushed it through and caused the deaths of 4 people.
Ask Boehner.
He's the one who pushed it through and caused the deaths of 4 people.
And yet they still try to blame President Obama for what they did.
Who signs bills into law?
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43qyTkKyEwU]33 - Who signs bills to become laws? - U.S. Citizenship Test - YouTube[/ame]
Who could veto the proposed cuts?
Hillary approved the budget and the stand down order came from the white house. All because it was importanr to blame the video.
Hillary approved the budget and the stand down order came from the white house. All because it was importanr to blame the video.
Oh really? Got any proof?
