US Marines
US MarinesFlash 90

The United States Senate passed an amendment to the defense bill by voice vote Wednesday that would place more Marines at U.S. consulates and embassies around the world, The Hill reported.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) introduced the amendment, asserting the importance of preventing additional deaths overseas, referring to the brutal attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept. 11.

The attack resulted in the death of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens.

“I think many Americans would be surprise to learn that Marines are assigned in only more than half of our diplomatic missions world-wide,” McCain said on the floor Wednesday, according to The Hill.

McCain said the amendment, 3051, would also urge the Department of Defense to reassess the rules of engagement for Marines stationed at embassies and consulates overseas, so that they could engage in combat when attacked.

Since the attack, Republicans have been lambasting the Obama administration for allegedly denying requests for additional security in Benghazi and for failing to take adequate measures to prevent the assault.