U.S. Senator Mark Begich, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after news that Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi is dead:
"The death of Gadhafi is the death of a brutal and violent oppressor. Today marks an historic new beginning for the people of Libya. They have stood up against a cruel dictator, and now give others facing oppression around the world a beacon of hope.
"I commend NATO leadership for beginning the discussion of ending the mission in Libya. Our military involvement has cost billions of taxpayer dollars and intensely stretched our forces and resources.
"Moving forward, as the Libyan people organize a government, our NATO partners need to play a role in assistance. The U.S. should aid diplomatic efforts, but this can't be the financial and social burden of our country alone."