[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 182 (Thursday, November 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CALLING FOR THE RELEASE OF AUSTIN TICE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2019

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, more than seven years ago, Austin Tice, an 
American journalist and Marine Corps veteran, disappeared in Syria.
  Since the day he vanished, his parents, family, friends, and 
supporters, have worked tirelessly to ensure that no stone is left 
unturned and no avenue ignored to see Austin return home safely.
  In the seventh year of Austin's captivity, l ask that whomever holds 
Austin release him immediately so that he can return to his loved ones.
  I also ask the assistance of the Government of Syria do whatever it 
can to help facilitate Austin's release.
  There are things that transcend politics and diplomacy, bridge 
cultural divides, and need no translation across different languages.
  Those are things like love and hope--represented by a mother and 
father who wake up each day with deep love and concern for their son 
and the belief that today could be the day when they get the chance to 
hug him again.
  I ask for the help of whomever holds Austin and can assist with his 
release--without the assignment of blame or malice to anyone--so that 
this year is the last that Austin remains so far from home and his 
family.

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