Democrats accuse Issa of 'extremely partisan' Libya investigation

Republicans on the House Oversight for Government Reform Committee are virtually sure to grill Obama administration officials on Wednesday about the level of embassy security at the U.S. consulate in Libya before the Sept. 11 attack that killed ambassador Chris Stevens and three other American personnel.

One day before the hearing, with the not-so-subtle title "The Security Failures of Benghazi," Democratic committee members are now accusing Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., of conducting an "extremely partisan" investigation into the deadly assault.
 
A memo from Democratic staff to committee members obtained by the Alley blasts Issa for a litany of perceived improprieties, including: Failing to consult with Democratic members before issuing public letters with unverified allegations, concealing witnesses from Democratic staff, withholding documents obtained by the committee during the investigation, and effectively excluding Democratic committee members from joining a "poorly planned" congressional delegation to Libya.

The memo also illustrates how House Republicans voted to reduce security funding by roughly a half-billion dollars below the Obama administration's request, since gaining the majority of the chamber in 2011. "Commentators have noted the inconsistency of those who criticize embassy security after voting to cut funding for it," the memo states.
 
Under Secretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Programs Charlene Lamb are expected to testify, among others, at Wednesday's hearing.
 
Read the full memo here.