U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) on Nov. 22 cosponsored a bipartisan bill that would provide the United States government with additional tools to deter state and non-state actors from wrongfully detaining U.S. nationals for political leverage.
The congressman introduced the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, H.R. 10255, with fellow co-chair of the Hostage Task Force and bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) to also support wrongful detainees upon their return home. U.S. Sens. James Risch (R-ID) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
“The Countering Wrongful Detention Act creates a more detailed strategy in deterring our foreign adversaries from taking Americans against their will and provides the State Department with the crucial resources needed to counter this appalling practice and fill gaps in the process,” Rep. Hill said.
If enacted, the measure would create the State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention designation, which would allow the U.S. Secretary of State to impose a range of penalties on states that wrongfully detain Americans, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Additionally, the bill would require an administration strategy on how to deter and counter unlawful or wrongful detention; provide increased funding to the U.S. Departments of State and the Treasury to carry out sanctions related to wrongful detention; and enhance awareness of the State Department’s travel advisories to high-risk countries.
The legislation also would require airlines operating in the United States to disclose travel advisory information to consumers traveling to high-risk countries, particularly countries that the State Department has issued indicators concerning risks of wrongful detention, kidnapping, or hostage taking, the summary says.
“Over the years, most recently in the case of Tigran Gambaryan wrongfully held by Nigeria, I have personally witnessed the trauma imposed on American families coping with a detained loved one,” said Rep. Hill. “The target on the backs of blue passport holders is stronger than ever, and the United States must do more to protect Americans abroad.”
Among other provisions, the legislation would also refine existing processes and provide more resources to hostages, wrongful detainees, and their families by establishing timelines for the secretary and relevant State Department offices to make timely wrongful detention determinations and report on their findings, the summary says.
“More and more Americans are being held hostage around the world,” Rep. Stevens said. “This critical legislation will ensure the State Department has the necessary resources and support to effectively engage in hostage diplomacy so they can prevent future hostage taking and get every wrongfully detained American home.”
Several supporters, including the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, Hostage US, and the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, among others, endorsed the measure.