Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler announced legislation he introduced to hold nations accountable for taking American citizens hostage or otherwise wrongfully detaining them. The bill, the State Sponsor of Wrongful or Unlawful Detention Act, will establish a designation of state sponsor of wrongful or unlawful detention. Countries with this designation would be subject to certain sanctions and be prohibited from receiving foreign assistance. This status would be reflected in travel advisories and the State Department will work with airlines to provide warnings for travelers as well.

"The number of incidents in which American citizens have been taken hostage while traveling abroad is deeply disturbing, and foreign governments that repeatedly engage in this behavior must be held accountable," said Congressman Lawler. "Congress must do more to protect Americans and deter incidents from happening in the first place. The State Sponsor of Wrongful or Unlawful Detention Act will ensure this is the case and I look forward to working with colleagues in both parties to get this bill passed as swiftly as possible."

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.