[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 150 (Monday, September 19, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S4810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                             Mark Frerichs

  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, 2\1/2\ years ago, a native of my home 
State of Illinois and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mark Frerichs, was 
abducted by the Taliban or one of its affiliates in Afghanistan.
  He was working there as a contractor, and his disappearance was 
devastating to his family back in Lombard, IL.
  Senator Duckworth and I have spent countless hours and staff hours 
working with his family trying to find out what happened to Mark. We 
spoke to his sister Charlene and repeatedly raised his case with both 
the Trump and Biden administrations. We wanted to let them know we 
cared, and we joined the family on that course.
  Well, today, the family's prayers have been answered. The news was 
released that Mark is coming home. I want to commend President Biden, 
Secretary of State Blinken, and their teams for never giving up on Mark 
and ultimately securing his freedom.
  His sister Charlene said upon news of her brother's release that 
``[w]e never gave up hope that he would survive and come home safely to 
us.'' She was right. And Mark was so fortunate to have her as his 
steadfast champion.

  Welcome home, Mark Frerichs.