Marine Corps veteran and journalist Austin Tice has spent exactly 12 years in captivity in Syria, and U.S. lawmakers are using the anniversary to push the Biden administration to secure his release.
Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., along with 34 other senators in both parties, sent President Joe Biden a letter last week reiterating their call for him to do everything he can to bring Tice home.
“As a beloved son, brother, Eagle Scout, journalist and veteran, Austin represents the best our nation has to offer, and we are committed to working with you to return him to his loving family,” the senators wrote in their letter, which was republicized Wednesday to mark the anniversary of Tice’s detention. “As an American and a veteran, Austin deserves the full and active support of our government to secure his release.”
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In his own statement Wednesday, Biden said he has “repeatedly pressed” the Syrian government to work with his administration on Tice’s release.
“Today, I once again call for his immediate release,” Biden said in the statement. “We stand in solidarity with Austin, his family, and all Americans wrongfully detained and held hostage abroad. I will continue to do everything possible to advocate for and pursue his release and support his loved ones until he is safely returned home.”
Secretary of State Antony…
