[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




URGING IRAN TO RELEASE ALL DETAINED UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND PROVIDE 
ANY INFORMATION REGARDING UNITED STATES CITIZENS THAT HAVE DISAPPEARED 
                           WITHIN ITS BORDERS

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2015

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of H. Res. 233, I rise to 
encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution urging 
Iran to release all American citizens currently being illegally held in 
that country. This resolution also urges the immediate release of 
information about any other American citizens who have disappeared 
within Iran's borders. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stated 
publically that his government wishes to engage in a constructive 
interaction with the world. This resolution challenges President 
Rouhani to back up his words with action. If the Iranian people want to 
earn the trust of the American people, they must honor their 
commitments and keep their word. Americans Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, 
Jason Rezaian and Robert Levinson have been unjustly held against their 
will in Iran for years. This resolution urges Iran to do the right 
thing and release them so that they can come home and rejoin their 
families.

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