Deutch, Shaheen Call for Strengthening US Hostage Recovery Efforts

Press Release

Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) support efforts to strengthen existing United States government policy of recovering American hostages abroad, as laid out in the first report by the James W. Foley Foundation evaluating existing U.S. policy.

The report, based on interviews with 27 former American hostages, detainees, and their family members and representatives, found that "there is still a need for more honesty and transparency from government officials," and that "confusion remains over roles within U.S. government agencies."

"Our government must prioritize bringing American hostages and detainees home and offering our unwavering support to their families. Unfortunately, the United States still lacks a robust and effective hostage policy," said Congressman Deutch. "While executive directives issued by President Obama in 2015 moved us closer to that goal, there are still major areas for improvement. This report brings to light the important perspective of the families who have to face these challenges every day, including the family of my constituent Bob Levinson who has been missing for over 12 years. For them, I'm committed to finding solutions to bring their loved ones home and end their nightmares."

"Any time an American citizen is held against their will, it demands the attention of the United States government. That includes support for hostages' families as they experience immense fear and uncertainty," said Senator Shaheen. "The harrowing and tragic murder of James Foley reminds us of what's at stake and that ensuring the safety of Americans, and support for their families, must be a top U.S. policy priority."

Congressman Deutch's legislation, the ""Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act," would empower the President to impose sanctions on American hostage-takers, elevate the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to the rank of Ambassador, and mandate an inter-agency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and a Hostage Response Group.

Shaheen has worked closely with the family of James Foley, who reside in New Hampshire. Shaheen has fought to ensure that ISIS terrorists culpable in Foley's murder, as well as other U.S. citizens, are brought to trial in the United States. The National Defense Authorization Act, which is currently before the Senate floor for consideration, includes a Shaheen provision to establish a senior coordinator position within the Executive Branch for all ISIS detainee issues. This position would lead planning regarding the future of ISIS detainees, and would keep families of ISIS victims updated on all proceedings regarding high-value terrorists.

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