Watch Live: Second House Hearing on IRS Scandal

Watch: Rioters in London Clash With Police Over ‘Cleaver’ Terror Attack

Government

Clinton Finally Explains Why the Four State Dept. Employees Blasted for Leadership Failures in Benghazi Report Have Not Been Fired

Jan. 23, 2013 3:22pm Jason Howerton

Hillary Clinton Explains Why the Four State Dept. Employees Blasted for Leadership Failures in Benghazi Report Were Not Fired

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testifies before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the September 11, 2012 attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya in the Rayburn House Office Building on January 23, 2013 in Washington, DC. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

During Wednesday’s House hearing on Benghazi, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) pressed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to explain why the four State Department employees cited for leadership failures prior to the attack were only placed on administrative leave and not fired.

“First, all four individuals have been removed from their jobs,” Clinton began. “Secondly, they have been placed on administrative leave. Thirdly, Ambassador Pickering and Admiral Mullen highlighted the reason why this has been so complicated. Under federal statute and regulations, unsatisfactory leadership is not grounds for finding a breach of duty.”

“Fourth, I have submitted legislation to this committee and to the Senate committee to fix this problem so future ARBs (Accountability Review Board) will not face this situation. Because I agree with you, there ought to be more leeway given to the ARBs.”

A previous report by the New York Post revealed that the State Department employees who “resigned” remained on the government payroll.

Per a previous report by TheBlaze:

Assistant Secretary of State Eric Boswell has not “resigned” from government service and will merely be switching desks, according to officials. The other three officials were placed on administrative leave and are expected to return to work soon.

Four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, were killed in Benghazi when armed terrorists raided a U.S. compound in Libya. The attack was originally blamed on a protest sparked by an anti-Muslim YouTube video. However, an Accountability Review Board found that version to be completely false. The board’s report blamed the attack on terrorists alone and found there was not demonstration outside the U.S. Mission prior to the attack.

–

Related:

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (125)

RaydocX
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:05pm
so the moral of the story is that when you pass your boss a report that an embassy needs more security and the boss or Her boss deny that security, after which there is an attack…

for reasons which we still do not know owing to the interference of said boss and Her boss…

you can be ignominiously sacked for not insisting that they follow through on the request….

does that sound at all like the definition in Webster’s of SCAPEGOAT?

what a blame shifting unaccountable opaque administration, we have, eh?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- kat747
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 5:35pm
  The “interference” came from the top dog, Barry !
  Muslims NEVER turn on muslims. Therein is your answer.
  If anyone is accountable, it is him and Hilliary is protecting Barry !
  Muslims can “lie” and “deceive” the infidels and the American People
  are the infidels.
  Once you understand that, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
  Those four Americans in Benghazi are infidels, therefore to this administration
  and Barry, they are expendable and the administration and Barry can lie about
  it.
  Hilliary….you make a great puppet. You will make a great President in 2016 as
  you have Barry’s destruction of the USA down perfectly.
  
  Report this comment
- JohnTwoFeathers
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 6:17pm
  Hilly hit the nail on the head…”unsatisfactory leadership”. Sound like anybody we know? Second funniest article I’ve read today. First one was the schmuck that shot his d1ck off and the clowns in Washington state that make a habit of the same.
  
  Semper Fi
  
  Report this comment
- ScreaminEagle
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 7:26pm
  Question: Where Are The 20 Benghazi Survivors? Who Are The 20 Benghazi Survivors?
  
  Report this comment
- CunningLawyer
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 7:32pm
  Those four dead Americans as the O put it were just a bump in the road.
  
  Report this comment
- mrunner
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 7:55pm
  If I were one of the employees on “administrative leave” and had pushed hard to try to get the security situation the attention it deserved- I would be booked on a show like O’Reilly and be singing like a bird. Whistleblower protection act- but wouldn’t need it. Hit the talk show circuit for a couple weeks, write a book and then do the “contributor” thing with one of the networks. Gut feel is- the folks on leave did not do their job. They are emmulating the leadership they see at the top. Probably affirmative action hires who know they cannot be fired.
  
  Report this comment
- Veteran Patriot
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 7:57pm
  What ever happened to the idea of “The buck stops here?” Every time something happens that might make this administration look bad there is a blame-shifting party and some unknowing underling ends up either falling on their sword for the regime or they just get it thrust through them by the regime. I’m glad I don’t work for them.
  
  Report this comment
- CathyvanDyke
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:04pm
  BUSTED!!
  
  Was this vigorous interrogation of Clinton anticipated and this is why the “health issue” in October 2012 prior to the election? Did Hillary get a makeover … facelift? So many questions. So few answers
  
  Rep. Duncan to Hillary: You let the consulate in Benghazi become a death trap
  January 23rd, 2013
  http://www.therightscoop.com/rep-duncan-to-hillary-you-let-the-consulate-in-benghazi-become-a-death-trap/
  
  Report this comment
- Bum thrower
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 10:00pm
  HANG that liberal statist bitch!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- Caniac Steve
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 10:25pm
  a shell game,slight of hand..nothing more…time to move along..nothing worth seeing ..
  
  Report this comment
- redfish52
  Posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:09am
  I say they let her off easy….where was the question: Who called off the rescue team? Why were they called off? Why have the other survivors not been allowed to speak? Did the president at anytime give you advice on your answers in today’s hearing?
  
  Report this comment
- desertspeaks
  Posted on January 24, 2013 at 3:09pm
  and NO ONE will be held accountable, raises and promotions all around!!
  
  Report this comment
spirited
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:04pm
Would love to hear Condi Rice’s take on all of this.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:46pm
  Condi or Susan?
  
  Report this comment
- Kolbie
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:56pm
  Both Condi and Susan…… Was/has Ambassador Susan Rice been called to testify at the hearings? If so, could she be recalled to answer follow-up questions based on other testimony?
  
  Report this comment
- dwsmokin
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:57pm
  Condi-role model who handled the position with class & dignity. Yes, I’d love to get her take on it.
  
  Report this comment
Ira
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:55pm
Huh? Unsatisfactory leadership is not grounds for finding a breach of duty.” Wha?
Is this an Onion parody? Tell me? Is it?
If it’s a joke it’s funny. If it’s real, then we have let these boys and girls play alone for too long. We weren’t watchin’ ‘em while they passed all these stupid laws to protect their own asses!
What this government needs is a good enema (paraphrase Hunter S. Thompson).

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Chuck Stein
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 5:43pm
  I remember this from Monty Python and the Holy Grail: “Let’s not have any more of this pointless bickering about who killed who!”
  
  Report this comment
JoanofAmerica
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:53pm
TX rep 20,000 tons of guns… BINGO!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- spirited
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:02pm
  Salmon (R-AZ)
  Yes –Finally, someone mentioned –for the record–
  Fast & Furious
  and
  Susan Rice; & her bogus film statements.
  
  >Can you say Barack Obama?
  
  Report this comment
- JoanofAmerica
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:18pm
  Absolutely Spirited! He’s the one.
  
  Report this comment
spirited
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:53pm
WOW! Asking about ‘arms’ movement while the US gave a “wink”
~~>and requested a “written response” from Hillary!!!

>That’s one for the record.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
spirited
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:51pm
Why couldn’t she just answer “No” to Poe’s question?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
IndyGuy
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:50pm
“”Clinton Finally Explains Why the Four State Dept. Employees Blasted for Leadership Failures in Benghazi Report Have Not Been Fired”"………..Because they are Democrats…

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- drs1969
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:07pm
  Since State Dept. employees are over 80% black, you are most likely correct!
  
  Report this comment
Tri-ox
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:49pm
So, when is this filthy TRAITOR going to explain why obama gave the “STAND DOWN” order which led directly to the deaths of four Americans?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Yakov-Yurovsky
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 6:27pm
  Hey TRI-OX,
  
  Did you ever get a chance to read my apology when I made that idiotic and dopey statement about your post on Nazis, Jews and gun control!
  
  Well, if you didn’t, I’m sorry about that!
  
  Report this comment
spirited
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:47pm
Speaking of “causes” (a Dem Senator) ,
~~> What was the “mission” (per Hillary Clinton) that Chris Stevens was sent to Benghazi for?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- spirited
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:55pm
  Correction: (a Dem Congressman)
  
  Report this comment
- JerseyGuy
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:58pm
  A Marine Buddy of mine indicated that is was likely that the Ambassador and Co. were over there trying to recover the 20 or so stinger missiles (shoulder fired) that we dropped to the (rebels) terrorsits to fight against Gadafi. I know they have RFID chips… but wouldn’t that be a real fly in the ointment if just one were be located in the U..S
  
  Report this comment
- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 7:24pm
  Jersey-
  it wasn’t 20 stinger missiles, it was 20,000 shoulder fired missiles that are unaccounted for….at least officially. Russian observers in Syria has noticed the rebels utilizing some o those missiles.
  
  Report this comment
MaryAnne29
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:46pm
What a disgrace. I can only hope God delivers the justice to her and her creepy husband that they deserve.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
JoanofAmerica
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:46pm
She is a huge liar. We need an independent committee.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SREGN
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:44pm
Integrity is a laughable concept to a “Progressive”. They’ve all progressed far beyond the need for it.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
rickinpa
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:39pm
“Under federal statute and regulations, unsatisfactory leadership is not grounds for finding a breach of duty.”
Are you kidding me? UNSATISFACTORY LEADERSHIP that resulted in the DEATH of four Americans is not grounds for dismisal? This country is f’d, that she can say that with a straight face and say she cares about the families is disgusting! And for those who don’t know ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE MEANS PAID VACATION!!!!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- AvengerK
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:53pm
  Hillary’s moving the goal posts. In a sane world “unsatisfactory leadership” would mean Hillary getting fired but of course..”that doesn’t mean it’s grounds for breach of duty” now. It’s kind of like “what the definition of IS is”. She learned from the most accomplished liar and slime bag in modern American politics..her own husband.
  
  Report this comment
spirited
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:39pm
This had to wait until AFTER November 6th, 2012 –because WHY?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- moreteaplease
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 5:23pm
  Somehow, I don’t think it would have mattered if this happened before Nov,12 because the dimwits that voted for Obama don’t really care about what is happening outside of their own little world.
  Obama is their messiah and he can do no wrong.
  
  I heard one Obama voter say ” That kind of stuff happens, no matter who’s president”. And that’s where they care to leave the whole thing.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 6:17pm
  Why ? WINNING ! which is ALL that matters to our Radical Left Democrats…
  
  Report this comment
mcsledge
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:38pm
Can you say treason.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
progressiveslayer
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:37pm
I don’t know how anyone can watch the testimony of that traitorous freak and not vomit,I’ve hurled twice since she started lying. Anyone eles hurl? The elitist progressive doesn’t care that Americans were killed in Liby or anywhere else for that matter and her faux outrage is disgusting. This regime is rotten to the core and all it’s members should be in federal prison.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- spirited
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:48pm
  Earlier –from the other end. 8*(
  
  Report this comment
- merton42
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:19pm
  If you for an instant think anyone is even going to be indicted for this, you are out of your mind. You MUST understand, she and her like on both sides are the PROTECTED CLASS. TEDDY KENNEDY ring a bell? Republicans will not dare push this because they might Screwthepooch down the road and need the same PROTECTION!!
  
  Report this comment
huey6367
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:33pm
She is testifying in front of Congress and lying her a** off. Just like her husband BJ did. I hope this is the last we will ever hear of her. Never liked this woman since I first saw her.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Exidor
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:33pm
She certainly learned from the best.

Define “fired”….

Roll eyes.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
65Mustang
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:32pm
You don’t just lie about one thing, lying is a mindset and she is a perfect example of such…will she and Bill ever fade away? No, they think they are important.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:32pm
Translation – the four are scapegoats and will not be fired or otherwise disposed of due to them being needed as future sacrifices for the masses to save ‘Dear Leader Obama.”

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:38pm
  Spot on SNOW. Also administrative leave translates into paid vacation.
  
  Report this comment
- CathyvanDyke
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 9:39pm
  Snowleopard
  
  You may be right but … maybe it will be revealed that the chain of command in regards to the lack of response to the Benghazi attack while in progress began with the President and his Muslim Brotherhood cohorts. In other words … if Hilliary and others were to take the fall in a big way … they would bring others with them.
  
  Report this comment
vic138
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:31pm
I just read on the ulstermanreport that hillary has all these questions beforehand and that her campaign debts from 2008 were paid off today (the implication is that her protection of Obama today was paid for).

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- spirited
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:37pm
  seriously?
  
  Report this comment
- noslave
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:40pm
  right on the money? obamas lost or misplaced billions in taxpayers stimilus/tarp funds are now being put to good use now??
  
  Report this comment
- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 4:44pm
  I heard on ABC, CBS this morning and later on Rush that her debt of $25 million had been paid off last week. I guess that bought a lot of loyalty.
  
  Report this comment
DarkJello
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:29pm
I wonder how many Americans still know almost nothing about Benghazi?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- barber2
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:43pm
  Answer: Barack Obama’s base.
  
  Report this comment
- Xylliab_of_the_Znarghh
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 5:25pm
  All of us, including those of you who have convinced yourselves that you know a lot.
  
  Report this comment
- Farmhand82
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 5:48pm
  If that’s true, X, don’t you think it’s kind of messed up that it’s been over four months and our dear government still doesn’t have any answers for us? Despite their constant reassurances that they’re doing everything they can to “get to the bottom of it.” Seems to me that the Democratic party is mostly just interested in making the whole incident go away and have to be dragged kicking and screaming to testify on the matter.
  
  Report this comment
LevAronson
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:29pm
What a walking disaster this woman is.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
barber2
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:28pm
I know. I know. I know : because they are part of the Obama Administration where Blame is given, but accountability is deflected .

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
IndyGuy
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:27pm
Blah…Blah…Blah…

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- tonypro
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:35pm
  Wonk wa wonk wonk wa wa wonk
  
  blah blah blah blah blah blah
  
  Report this comment
- IndyGuy
  Posted on January 23, 2013 at 3:48pm
  I must have tuned in late….I missed the Dog and pony….
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.