Chairman Menendez Denounces Attack on Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan

Newark, NJ - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued this statement following the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan.

"I denounce today's attack on our consulate in Herat. Days after we paused to honor four brave Americans killed last year in Benghazi and pledged to move forward with renewed vigor to properly fund and secure our diplomatic posts overseas, we are reminded yet again of the severe challenges our personnel face, especially in high-risk, high-threat facilities.

"This unconscionable act cannot go unpunished and our forces, working with Afghan counterparts, must track down and strike back against those responsible. At this critical juncture in our engagement in Afghanistan, attacks against our facilities cannot be tolerated by the Taliban or any other insurgent group. 

"The U.S. Congress must move forward with a unity of purpose to pass needed embassy security legislation. We have a responsibility to protect our personnel overseas and cannot afford delay."

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