[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 129 (Thursday, September 26, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                          PASTOR SAEED ABEDINI

  (Mr. PITTENGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share a letter from Dr. 
Billy Graham to Iranian President Rouhani, calling for the release of 
an American citizen currently imprisoned in Iran due to his faith. I 
quote from Dr. Graham:

       The announcement on Monday that your country has freed 80 
     political prisoners is very encouraging. I fear, however, 
     that the current publicity surrounding the continued 
     imprisonment of Pastor Abedini, an American citizen, may 
     further harm the already fragile relationship that presently 
     exists between our two nations.
       Today, thousands will attend prayer vigils in more than 70 
     U.S. cities, calling on your country to release this husband, 
     father, and servant of God. I join them by respectfully 
     asking you to release Pastor Saeed Abedini from prison. Such 
     an action would, I believe, have a positive impact in our 
     Nation, and might well be perceived by our leadership as a 
     significant step in reducing tensions.
       Respectfully yours, Billy Graham.

  Today, I also wrote President Obama, with other House Members, asking 
that he call on Iran to free this American citizen and humanitarian. I 
urge you to join me in this effort.

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