Navy SEAL Congressman unveils bill to honor Americans killed in Benghazi

Retired Navy SEAL and Montana Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke announced new legislation Monday evening to bestow Congressional Gold Medals to the four Americans killed in the September 2012 Benghazi attack.  

“On September 11, 2012 America lost four patriots, and in the Navy SEALs we lost two brothers. This tribute is long overdue,” Zinke said on FOX News’ “On the Record.” 

{mosads}Ambassador Chris Stevens, Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith and two retired U.S. Navy SEALs working as CIA security contractors, Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty, were killed in the attack at the CIA compound in Benghazi.

Woods was under Zinke’s command, during his 23-year career with the Navy SEALs. He also knew Doherty, as well. 

Democratic Sen. Ed Markey (Mass.) is introducing the companion legislation in the Senate, according to a statement from Zinke’s office. 

Original cosponsors of the House bill include Reps. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), Chris Stewart (R-Utah) and David Rouzer (R-N.C.).

Zinke said honoring the four killed “should not be about politics.”

“It’s about paying respect and homage to American patriots who served our nation honorably in some of our darkest hours,” Zinke said. 

“I am grateful for their service to our nation and will work with Senator Markey to build a large and bipartisan base of support for this bill,” he added.