[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 59 (Monday, April 8, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              RYAN CORBETT

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, now on the Ryan Corbett resolution, it 
has sadly been over 600 days since Ryan Corbett, a New York native, has 
been unjustly detained by the Taliban. Ryan traveled there to renew his 
visa and pay the local staff of his nonprofit when he was taken without 
cause, without explanation, without any semblance of process.
  Later this afternoon, I will meet with the Corbett family to talk 
about our efforts to bring Ryan home. His wife Anna and their three 
children have been so brave. I have met them already a few times. They 
have been brave through this tragic situation, and I am in constant awe 
of their strength and resolve.
  Today, I am introducing a resolution, alongside Leader McConnell, 
calling for Ryan's immediate and unconditional release. I urge the 
Senate to pass this resolution before Ryan's birthday, which is April 
13.
  Throughout this process, I have worked closely with the Corbett 
family, the White House, the State Department, and other high-ranking 
officials to make sure that Ryan's safe return remains a top priority. 
We made progress last September when Ryan was designated as 
``wrongfully detained'' by the State Department, giving his case a 
higher diplomatic priority, but we are still working.
  Anna has spoken with Ryan a few times, and he has been reportedly 
being held in terrible conditions, which has caused his health to 
deteriorate rapidly. So time is of the essence to get him back.
  As long as Ryan is held by the Taliban, I will never stop fighting to 
bring him back home and reunite him with Anna, his children, and his 
family as quickly as possible.
  I want to thank Leader McConnell for joining me in this resolution 
and everyone on both sides who has supported this resolution.

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