David Perdue chairs first hearing, avoids call for another Benghazi investigation | Political Insider blog

Perdue’s top priorities when it comes to the State Department IG were its requests for a separate IT system and to be brought in earlier when State investigates internal misconduct. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the top Democrat on the panel, had a similar line of questioning, and the tone was far from confrontational.

Linick revealed that a recent hack of the State Department servers “has affected us,” without going into further detail.

The hearing was the first of several Perdue plans as he addresses a reauthorization of the State Department, which Congress has not accomplished since 2002 amid partisan acrimony. Asked his thoughts on wielding a subcommittee gavel for the first time, Perdue replied:

“It’s sobering, seriously. These are serious issues. They are men and women who are dedicating their careers and putting their lives at risk. They’ve lost lives. We’ve had to close down two embassies because these are dangerous posts out there. I don’t take it lightly. This is a serious subcommittee.”

via David Perdue chairs first hearing, avoids call for another Benghazi investigation | Political Insider blog.