WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the statement below to commemorate U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
“Today and every day, we remember Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained around the globe, the pain of their families, and the bright futures that have been forever changed. Protecting Idahoans and all Americans from wrongful detention is one of my top priorities, and fortunately, we now have an Administration that shares that sentiment. President Trump has brought over 175 people home since the start of the Administration, Secretary Rubio has prioritized the return of Americans from every corner of the world, and the State Department recently designated Iran as the first State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention—rightfully so.
“While Iran may be the first such designation, it will not be the last. Other countries like Afghanistan and Russia are on notice: taking Americans hostage is a red line for President Donald Trump. I’m proud to have passed the Countering Wrongful Detention Act to lay the groundwork for this designation and future designations to come.
“March 9th is the anniversary of Bob Levinson’s disappearance in Iran. We will never forget Bob, the namesake of the Levinson Act that underwrites our work on this issue, and we will never stop working to bring him home. Today is a reminder of the historic success we’ve achieved, but until every American hostage or wrongful detainee has been returned to their loved ones, there will always be more work to do. May God bless the victims of these heinous crimes.”