Bring Them Home

Floor Speech

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Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Hamas committed unspeakable war crimes 186 days ago on October 7.

Since that day, we have borne witness to stories of the atrocities committed by Hamas from survivors of the attack and from hostages who have been released.

Last week, I traveled to Israel and saw the aftermath of Hamas' slaughter firsthand. While in Israel, I visited Kibbutz Nir Oz, which prior to Hamas' attack had 400 residents.

In that kibbutz, we walked through homes where men, women, children, and elderly were murdered or taken hostage. It is estimated that 25 percent of Nir Oz's residents were either killed or abducted and taken hostage by Hamas. Hamas showed utter disregard for human life.

I also met with Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, whose American-Israeli son, Hersh, was taken hostage by Hamas. Hersh remains in captivity today. I am grateful that Rachel and Jon are here tonight, along with several other families whose loved ones are being held in Gaza. I admire their strength, especially in a time of such immense hardship.

I hope they know that their loved ones are not forgotten. We must continue to call for the release of every last hostage until they have all come home.

The fastest way for this conflict to end is for Hamas to release every hostage and surrender.

It is past time to bring them all home. I thank my good friend, the gentleman from Illinois, Brad Schneider, for organizing tonight's Special Order. I thank him for his leadership.

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