[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 1723-1724]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     AMERICAN HOSTAGES IN COLOMBIA

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, it has been almost a year since three 
Americans--Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell, and Thomas Howes--were taken 
hostage by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC. The 
presence of American hostages in Colombia is deeply troubling, and one 
can only imagine the struggles and trials that these three brave 
individuals have had to endure since their plane crashed in the 
Colombian jungle last year on February 13. I rise today to again call 
attention to their plight and urge the Bush administration and 
Colombian Government to do everything possible to gain their release.
  There is no higher priority than finding a way to bring these three 
Americans home safely, and I know that all of our prayers remain with 
them and their families during these difficult times. For the families 
of Marc, Keith, and Tom, this past year has been a heart wrenching 
experience. I have a special interest in the fate of Marc Gonsalves, 
whose mother, Jo Rosano, is a Connecticut resident. Marc's father, 
George Gonsavales, is also a resident of our State.
  At every opportunity, I have worked to bring about the release of 
these three Americans. Indeed, over the last 8 months whenever I have 
met with Colombian President Uribe or other Colombian officials, I have 
urged them to make every effort to gain their release. President Uribe 
indicated to me that the Colombian military continues every day to 
search for them and that these efforts will not cease until they are 
found.
  In addition, during a hearing last fall of the Senate Foreign 
Relations Committee, I urged the now-serving United States Ambassador 
to Colombia, William Wood, to make their rescue his highest priority. 
He pledged to do so

[[Page 1724]]

and has kept me informed of developments in this matter. I have also 
continually urged the Bush administration to provide all means of 
assistance, including technological assistance, to bring about the safe 
rescue of Marc, Keith, and Tom. It is my understanding that the 
administration continues to work with Colombian authorities to locate 
them.
  Certainly, their rescue will not be easy. However, I have to believe 
that more can be done. This must be the highest of priorities. The 
airing last year of the videotape showing them in captivity only 
further highlights the importance of this effort.
  The families of Marc, Keith, and Tom will find no rest until their 
sons, husbands, fathers, and brothers return home safely. I will be 
meeting with Jo Rosano tomorrow, when she, along with other family 
members of the hostages, come to Washington, DC on the anniversary of 
this tragic incident to urge United States policymakers not to forget 
their family members in captivity.
  And I will tell her what I have said here today: that we must make 
every effort and we must leave no stone unturned in our search. As 
Americans, Marc, Keith, and Tom are also our sons--they are members of 
our extended American family. For my part, I pledge to continue to do 
everything possible to ensure their speedy release and safe return. I 
urge the Bush administration and Colombian Government to do the same. 
We must not rest until they are all home safely.

                          ____________________