Hoekstra Statement on CIA Casualties in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement after a terror attack in Afghanistan claimed the lives of seven CIA officers and wounded six:

"The American people may never know their names, but we owe them an enduring debt of gratitude. They served in silence so that our great nation may live in freedom. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those lost and injured. In this season of giving, they have given far more than most.

"To the workforce at the CIA, the nature of your service means that you do not get the credit and accolades you deserve for the risks that you take. Today our nation honors and salutes you, and we join you in mourning the loss of your colleagues."

Hoekstra expressed his personal condolences and on behalf of the Republican members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair and CIA Director Leon Panetta when he was notified of the terrorist attack and the subsequent casualties.

Due to the sensitivity of CIA activities, Hoekstra will not be issuing any further statements or comments at this time.