Press Releases
Waltz, Deutch, Wilson, Frankel Introduce Resolution on Bob Levinson, Longest-Held American Hostage
Washington, DC,
March 12, 2019
“Floridian Bob Levinson served our country through a long, distinguished career in law enforcement, and yet for 12 years Bob has been left behind or forgotten,” said Congressman Waltz. “While I greatly wish the circumstances were different, I’ve been proud to meet with his family and thank them for their strength and bravery. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this resolution which urges Iran to take meaningful steps toward returning Bob to his family and urges President Trump to send a clear message to the Iranian regime that Bob’s release remains a top U.S. priority.”
Today, Representatives Michael Waltz (FL-R), Ted Deutch (FL-D), Joe Wilson (SC-R), and Lois Frankel (FL-D) introduced legislation calling on Iran to fulfill its promises to assist in Robert Levinson’s case. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Senate companion bill.
Robert Levinson of Coral Springs, Florida went missing in Iran on March 9, 2007. Twelve years later, he is the longest-held American hostage in U.S. history.
“Floridian Bob Levinson served our country through a long, distinguished career in law enforcement, and yet for 12 years Bob has been left behind or forgotten,” said Congressman Waltz. “While I greatly wish the circumstances were different, I’ve been proud to meet with his family and thank them for their strength and bravery. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this resolution which urges Iran to take meaningful steps toward returning Bob to his family and urges President Trump to send a clear message to the Iranian regime that Bob’s release remains a top U.S. priority.”
“Twelve years after Bob disappeared, we have not forgotten about him,” Deutch said. “We’re continuing to bring attention to his case and urge the Administration to prioritize Bob’s return. Iran has yet to provide meaningful assistance in Bob’s case despite repeated promises. We are directly calling on the Iranian government to fulfil its commitments to help in Bob’s case, and we are also asking other foreign leaders to push Iran to do more. Bringing Americans home must be our priority, and with this resolution we are once again asking the world to remember Bob and help to bring him home.”
“This past Saturday marks 12 years since Robert Levinson’s disappearance in Iran. Mr. Levinson is a former FBI agent who remains the longest held U.S. civilian hostage in history,” said Wilson. “He disappeared from Kish Island in Iran on March 9, 2007. More than that, he is a husband to Christine, a father to seven children, and a grandfather of six who have endured 12 long and painful years. I urge Iran to release Mr. Levinson and for the United States to strengthen our resolve to ensure his safe return.”
“Bob has been in captivity longer than any other U.S. citizen. Our South Florida delegation will keep fighting to make sure he is reunited with his family,” Frankel said.
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