[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         SUPPORTING CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL FOR IRAN HOSTAGES

  (Mr. SUOZZI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the award of a 
Congressional Gold Medal to the 52 hostages of the Iran hostage crisis 
that were released, after 444 days of captivity, 41 years ago today.
  On November 4, 1979, Iranian student militants stormed the U.S. 
Embassy in Tehran and took Embassy employees captive. Despite mock 
firing squads, beatings, solitary confinement, lack of food, and 
psychological torture, the American hostages maintained their strength 
and resilience.
  Back at home, Americans remained united in their support for the 
hostages, many tying yellow ribbons around trees as a sign of 
solidarity. The former hostages have never received proper recognition 
from their government for their sacrifices.
  This bipartisan bill is a symbol of our Nation's ability to come 
together to honor these American heroes. As of today, the bill has over 
166 cosponsors.
  Special thanks to Commission 52 and Chairman Brock Pierce for helping 
to gather support for the bill. It is a true public service.

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