Boise City Wire

U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and over a third of the Senate in a bipartisan effort to urge President Biden to secure the return of American journalist Austin Tice. The push follows last week’s historic prisoner release, with senators requesting that all available means be used to facilitate Tice's release. Tice, an American freelance journalist, went missing while reporting in Syria nearly 12 years ago.

The senators have been actively working with the Tice family, including meeting with Austin’s mother Debra Tice, to advocate for his release.

Senators Risch, Van Hollen, and Cornyn were joined by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Jacklyn Rosen (D-Nev.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bernard Sanders(I-Vt.). Brian Schatz(D-Hawaii). Jeanne Shaheen(D-N.H.). Tina Smith(D-Minn.). Dan Sullivan(R-Alaska). John Thune(R-S.D.). Thomas Tillis(R-N.C.). Mark R. Warner(D-Va.). Peter Welch(D-Vt.) and Todd Young(R-Ind.).

In their letter to President Biden, the senators highlighted that it has been nearly 12 years since Austin Tice was detained at a checkpoint near Damascus while working as a freelance journalist. They noted that on August 11, 2022, President Biden publicly indicated that his administration knows Austin is being held by the Syrian regime. The letter also mentioned a meeting between President Biden and Austin’s parents on May 2, 2022, where he committed to pursuing all avenues for securing Austin's return.

The senators emphasized their commitment to working with the administration to bring Austin home and discouraged the hostage-taking of American citizens. They urged continued efforts from President Biden's administration and requested regular updates on progress.

"Eleven years is far too long for Austin to be held," stated the letter. "We ask that you keep us informed of your progress so that Congress and your Administration can continue working hand in hand on this important issue."