Senate passes resolution praising service of Chris Stevens, others killed in Libya

The Senate passed a resolution late Wednesday in honor of the four foreign service workers killed in an attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya. 

The resolution, S.Res. 551, was quickly approved by unanimous consent by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) Wednesday night.

It says the Senate "sends its deepest condolences to the families of those American public servants killed in Benghazi," and "commends the bravery of Foreign Service Officers, United States Armed Forces, and public servants serving in harm's way around the globe and recognizes the deep sacrifices made by their families."

The resolution also condemns, "in the strongest possible terms, the despicable attacks on American diplomats and public servants in Benghazi and calls for the perpetrators of such attacks to be brought to justice."

U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three others were killed in the attack, which initially appeared to come at the hands of a mob angered over an anti-Islamic film, but which observers increasingly believe might have been coordinated by militants or terrorists. 

The Senate resolution notes that Stevens spent 21 years in the Foreign Service and recognizes the "dedicated service and deep commitment" of all four officials.

In a prepared statement on Wednesday, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) praised Stevens for daring to operate in Libya during the rebellion that led to the end of dictatorial rule by Col. Moammar Gadhafi.

"He was an important part of the work we are doing in Libya, and we will not let this deplorable violence turn back the progress he helped make possible," Kerry said. "Let's remember that Libyans fought to protect the consulate and rescue the Americans inside, and that Libyans took Chris to a hospital in a desperate and potentially dangerous attempt to save his life."

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