Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced a invoice cracking down on international governments that take Americans hostage or in any other case wrongfully detain them.
Lawler unveiled the State Sponsor of Wrongful or Illegal Detention Act, in a launch on his web site on Wednesday. The proposed laws would set up a designation of state sponsor of wrongful or illegal detention, and the designation would topic the nation in query to sure sanctions and blocks from international help. Moreover, it might be included in journey advisories.
“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,” Lawler stated on his web site. “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.”
Russia, China, Syria and Afghanistan are amongst nations which have U.S. residents in detention now, in line with a BBC report. In accordance with a report from the James Foley Basis, 46 People are recognized to be captive proper now.
Lawler is up for reelection in his district, which represents elements of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess and Westchester counties. The Cook dinner Political Report has labeled his race a “toss up,” which means it’s a decent race between him and Democratic opponent and former Rep. Mondaire Jones.
