Calling for the Immediate Release of Trevor Reed

Floor Speech

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from west Texas for this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, recently, I created the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad with my colleague, our good friend, Ted Deutch from Florida. I thank Representative Pfluger for being one of the first Members to join that task force.

Mr. Speaker, that is why I come and rise in support of my friend, Representative Pfluger's resolution. This resolution calls for the release of Trevor Reed of Texas; and expresses support for Paul Whelan of Michigan, another American unjustly imprisoned in Russia.

From this debate, we have heard and learned some of the details of Trevor's arrest, sham trial, and absurd sentencing for his alleged crimes. All channels of the United States Government must engage with friends and enemies alike to ensure that Americans in situations like Trevor and Paul are brought home expeditiously.

This is especially the case for Members of Congress who represent the concerned families of those held hostage or wrongfully detained. Here in Congress, we must continue to collaborate with the administration in situations like these to disincentivize wrongful detention and taking hostage of Americans in the future.

Let this be a message to Trevor and Paul and their families: We are committed to bringing you back to the United States safely.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the full committee for his support of this effort and work. I also thank my friend from west Texas. I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.

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