[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN SUPPORT OF THE SAFE RETURN OF AUSTIN BENNETT TICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2019

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to Austin 
Bennett Tice's prolonged captivity in Syria, where he has been held 
since August 14, 2012; over seven years.
  Austin is an American journalist who headed to Syria to work as a 
free-lance reporter for the McClatchy News Service between his second 
and third years at Georgetown Law School. A native of Houston, Texas, 
and a Georgetown alumnus, Austin is an exceptional young man who 
demonstrated his determination and potential early in life as both an 
Eagle Scout and a National Merit Finalist.
  After graduation from Georgetown University's School of Foreign 
Service, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine 
Corps. As an infantryman, his service included tours of duty in 
Afghanistan and Iraq. At the time of his capture, Austin sought to 
ensure that the world understood the tragic situation in Syria. Because 
of his dedication to our country, we owe this young man every possible 
effort to affect his release.
  Presidential Policy Directive 30, U.S. Nationals Taken Abroad and 
Personnel Recovery Efforts, clearly commits the Government to working 
in a coordinated manner and utilizing all instruments of national power 
to safely recover hostages. We appreciate that commitment and were 
grateful when the FBI announced last April a $1 million reward for 
Austin's safe return. We are aware that the Hostage Recovery Fusion 
Cell has been engaged with efforts to secure his release for several 
years.
  Madam Speaker, it has now been over four years since that 
Presidential Policy Directive was finalized, and we strongly urge the 
President and State Department officials to personally ensure that the 
U.S. government galvanizes its efforts and employs all appropriate 
means to secure this young man's safe and expeditious return to the 
United States.

                          ____________________