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As the new US Congress convenes, the 98 hostages held by Hamas, including seven Americans, must be an immediate priority.
The fact that the 118th Congress failed to secure the release of American citizens held in a Hamas dungeon in Gaza for more than a year will forever remain a stain on its record. The 119th Congress would do well to advocate for their liberation not only in words but also in deeds.
Newly elected US officials are leveraging the full power of both houses of Congress to support President-elect Trump’s sentiment that there will be “hell in hell” if the hostages are not released by Inauguration Day. Those who do not comply with their demands should be followed up. .
Seven American hostages remain held by Hamas terrorists as their families call for their release: ‘This is an emergency’
From left to right, American hostages held in Gaza: Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Cheng, Keith Siegel, Omer Neutra, Judy Weinstein Hagai, Gadi Hagai, Itai Chen (Ruby) son). (Fox News)
Negotiations with Hamas will primarily take place through the Oval Office, but Congressional bodies such as the Foreign Affairs, Finance, Appropriations, and Judiciary committees, as well as each House of Representatives’ leadership, will remain closed during the next round of negotiations. We must play a more important role in proving that. The administration and Congress held talks regarding the U.S. hostage crisis.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will undoubtedly play an important role, as it is the only committee with the authority to consider and report on treaties that the president submits to the Senate for consideration. The committee could directly subpoena ambassadors involved in hostage negotiations, including representatives from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, and demand to know why U.S. citizens are still being held hostage. Also, as in the case of Saudi Arabia, there is a direct correlation between countries actively seeking to enter into long-term strategic defense treaties with the United States and countries actively seeking to assist in the release of American hostages. You can also create relationships.
As for the Judiciary Committee, it has the important role of overseeing the Department of Justice and agencies under its jurisdiction, such as the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.
Congressman Mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana, speaks after being sworn in as Speaker of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Ting Sheng/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Forty-seven Americans were killed by Hamas in a brutal attack on October 7, 2023, but law enforcement officials have accused U.S. allies like Turkey and Qatar of supporting killings of Americans abroad. The people responsible should be prosecuted.
Additionally, the Committee should further expand anti-terrorism laws to allow victims’ families to sue commercial entities associated with these crimes in civil court. This would send a clear message to those who believe they can support terrorist activities undetected: beware. We should also hold the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) accountable and demand timely and significant sanctions against entities that support terrorist organizations.
Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas approaches amid fears of terrorist group rearming in Gaza
Sagui Dekel Chen’s father, Jonathan Dekel Chen, and Itai Chen’s father, Ruby, are surrounded by other families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas in the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. Chen speaks to reporters after the meeting. Meeting with President Biden at the White House on December 13, 2023. (Julia Nickinson/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Senate Appropriations Committee also has a role defined by the Constitution, which requires “legislative appropriations” as a condition for spending by the U.S. Treasury. In other words, follow the money. Countries seeking U.S. financial assistance should fully respect U.S. requests, particularly on the subject of illegal detention of Americans. For example, in September the committee approved $1.3 billion in aid to Egypt. Such aid should have been conditional on Cairo destroying all tunnels leading from Egypt to Gaza. This tunnel was used to transport the very weapons used to kill American citizens and take them hostage.
The new Congress has a moral and legal obligation to ensure the return of the seven American hostages. What power does a global superpower have if it cannot liberate its own people from struggling terrorist groups? We must demonstrate our commitment to the People’s House through all political, financial, and judicial means to support the return of all Americans and other hostages.
Ruby’s son, Sergeant Chen of the Israel Defense Forces, was serving along the Gaza border on October 7 when he was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. (IDF)
By taking a more aggressive approach to countries and commercial entities with a proven ability to influence Hamas, the United States would demonstrate its commitment to its people and its zero tolerance for terrorism and human rights abuses. Dew.
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As we and countless others watch and await the return of our loved ones, it is imperative that the United States, with the active support of Congress, act decisively and without delay. I have a dream that if I attend President Trump’s inauguration next week, he will say that he secured the release of all American hostages, just as President Reagan did at the 1981 inauguration.
