Earlier today, the DNC released a new video, “When in doubt, #Benghazi,” on the GOP’s politicized vote. Watch here.

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today on the establishment of the Select Committee on Benghazi:

“The attacks in Benghazi on September 11, 2012 – in which four Americans died courageously serving their country – were a national tragedy. The American people join their families in mourning their loss.

“Such a tragedy requires our leaders to take action that can prevent a similar incident from occurring ever again, as the Obama Administration and Democrats in Congress are working to do. But House Republicans have demonstrated that they would rather spend their time exploiting tragedy in a crass political ploy to motivate their base for the midterm elections and to raise money.

“More than a year and a half removed from the Benghazi attacks, it is not a coincidence that the creation of the select committee follows in the wake of positive news concerning Republicans’ previous obsession, the Affordable Care Act.

“With Republicans insisting on the establishment of a special committee, Democrats offered several criteria, including equal representation, which would at least ensure the proceedings were conducted in a bipartisan and fair manner. Republicans rejected these principles and awarded the Chairmanship to a member who has embraced conspiracy theories and already called this a trial.

“While Republicans waste taxpayer time and money on more political theater, Democrats will remain focused on strengthening security at our embassies and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice while prioritizing solutions to improve economic security for middle class American families.”