Head of House Benghazi probe fires back at Pentagon critique

Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., outlined his objections in a letter to Defense Secretary Ash Carter, telling the Pentagon chief that his top assistant for legislative affairs had in recent correspondence intentionally mischaracterized the inquiry.

Questions about security at the diplomatic facility have hounded front-running Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who was secretary of state at the time.

In an April 28 letter to Gowdy, Stephen C. Hedger, assistant secretary of defense for legislative affairs, expressed frustration with what he described as the House Select Committee on Benghazi's potentially futile calls for witnesses and information.