GOP rep unveils bill cracking down on countries that take American hostages

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) announced a bill cracking down on foreign governments that take American citizens hostage or otherwise wrongfully detain them.  

Lawler unveiled the State Sponsor of Wrongful or Unlawful Detention Act, in a release on his website on Wednesday. The proposed legislation would establish a designation of state sponsor of wrongful or unlawful detention, and the designation would subject the country in question to certain sanctions and blocks from foreign assistance. Additionally, it would be included in travel 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 said on his website. “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 among nations that have U.S. citizens in detention now, according to a BBC report. According to a report from the James Foley Foundation, 46 Americans are known to be captive right now. 

Lawler is up for reelection in his district, which represents parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess and Westchester counties. The Cook Political Report has labeled his race a “toss-up,” meaning it’s a tight race between him and his Democratic opponent, former Rep. Mondaire Jones.