[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H1783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H1783]]
                        NEW TRIBES MISSIONARIES

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of three 
American missionaries who have been held hostage for over 5 years by 
FARC guerillas.
  In January of 1993, Colombian guerillas crossed the border and 
kidnapped David Mankins, Richard Tenenoff, and Mark Rich from a 
Panamanian Indian village. During the first year of captivity, FARC 
intermittently contacted New Tribes Missions to demand payment of a $5 
million ransom. But, in 1994, the guerillas cut off all contact.
  According to the New Tribes Missions authorities, there are credible 
reports that the three Americans are still alive. Last July, Assistant 
Secretary of State John Shattuck committed to doing everything possible 
to secure the release of these three Americans. In addition, a number 
of Latin American countries have pledged their assistance to resolving 
this hostage situation.
  Mr. Speaker, American citizens' lives are at stake. I urge President 
Clinton, Secretary Albright, the State Department and all other 
appropriate American officials to work with other countries to help 
bring an end to this tragic situation.

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