Last week, a call was made for the United States to have a quicker response to American hostages held abroad. Today, a bipartisan congressional effort introduced legislation that specifically calls on Iran to fulfill its promise to assist in Robert Levinson’s case, who disappeared in Iran on March 9, 2007.
Levinson is now the longest-held American hostage in U.S. history.
Freshman Republican Congressman Michael Waltz has met with Levinson’s family and has discussed Levinson's case, and last week Waltz joined an effort to introduce legislation that would raise the costs and increase pressure on rogue regimes and terrorist groups that take Americans hostage.
Commenting on the matter, Congressman Waltz explained that “Floridian Bob Levinson served our country through a long, distinguished career in law enforcement, and yet for 12 years Bob has been left behind or forgotten.” Waltz explained that he’s “been proud to meet with his family and thank them for their strength and bravery.” And, Waltz called for his colleagues “to join us in supporting this resolution which urges Iran to take meaningful steps toward returning Bob to his family” while also urging “President Trump to send a clear message to the Iranian regime that Bob’s release remains a top U.S. priority.”
Also joining Congressman Waltz in the bipartisan effort are Democrat reps. Ted Deutch and Lois Frankel along with Republican rep. Joe Wilson.
Rep. Deutch slammed Iran, saying that they have “yet to provide meaningful assistance in Bob’s case despite repeated promises.” In turn, the Florida lawmakers “are directly calling on the Iranian government to fulfill its commitment to help in Bob’s case,” and Deutch detailed that the U.S. is “asking other foreign leaders to push Iran to do more.”
Deutch concluded by asserting that “bringing Americans home must be our priority, and with this resolution we are once again asking the world to remember Bob and help to bring him home.”
