Third Stevens Bill In Three Weeks Clears House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act introduced by Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), Co-Chair of the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad, passed the House as part of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act. This is the third piece of legislation introduced by Rep. Stevens to pass the House in the same number of weeks. The bill which calls for the proclamation of March 9th as an annual observance of Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and the adoption of a purpose-designed flag to be flown in hostages honor, was co-sponsored by Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Co-Chair of the Congressional Task Force. The bill was also adopted by the Senate and is expected to be signed into law by President Joe Biden.
“With the uptick in hostage taking as a tactic by bad actors and lawless states, we must continue to bring awareness to the plight of Americans who are captive abroad,” said Rep. Stevens (D-MI). “This legislation provides a means to ensure that every American wrongfully detained and their families know that Congress stands with them, and every American will stand with them in observance of national Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day each March 9th. We won’t stop our support until every single hostage is home with their family.”
“As more Americans are increasingly being wrongfully detained around the world, we must bring awareness to these Americans who are being held against their will,” said Rep. French Hill (R-AR). “Our bill demonstrates that Congress stands with wrongful detainees and their families, and that all Americans will stand in observance of National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day every year on March 9. We will continue to work diligently together until every wrongfully detained American is home safe and reunited with their families.”
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