Hill’s measure would help families advocate for loved ones wrongfully detained abroad

U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) recently unveiled bipartisan legislation that would provide families of wrongfully detained Americans with financial assistance to help them travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of their loved one.

“Families of wrongfully detained Americans are already going through so much,” Rep. Hill said. “The last thing these families need is to have the financial burden of coming to Washington, D.C., to advocate for their loved one.”

On Dec. 7, the congressman sponsored the Supporting Americans Wrongfully or Unlawfully Detained Abroad Act, H.R. 6669, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). The lawmakers are co-chairs of the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad.

If enacted, H.R. 6669 would permit not more than two family members to receive travel assistance and lodging costs if they live more than 50 miles from the nation’s capital and want to travel there to advocate for their loved ones who are wrongfully detained abroad, according to the text of the bill. 

The bill would provide for not more than two trips per fiscal year, unless the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs deems that a third trip would be warranted, the text says.

“I am proud that my bill with Rep. Haley Stevens will provide families with the travel assistance they need while we all work together to bring all Americans who are wrongfully detained around the world home safely,” said. Rep. Hill.

Rep. Stevens pointed out that H.R. 6669 would significantly reduce the financial hardships associated with traveling to Washington, D.C., for family members to advocate for and learn about the status of loved ones.

“I am grateful to work with Rep. French Hill to introduce this legislation,” said Rep. Stevens. “We will keep pushing until each and every American wrongfully detained is home safe.”

The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee is considering the bill.