Baumgartner, Moskowitz bipartisan bill to Sanction Hostage-Takers clears Foreign Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON- Congressmen Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, cleared the first legislative hurdle in passing their bipartisan bill, the No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced the bipartisan 'No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act.' This measure is designed to strengthen U.S. deterrence against state-sponsored hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals, with a particular focus on Iran. Building on the foundations of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and the Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, this forward-looking legislation operationalizes existing sanctions and accountability mechanisms to hold hostage-takers accountable.
By aligning with international precedents and respecting diplomatic norms, the bill aims to prevent future hostage situations, ensure strategic responses to foreign malign behavior, and enhance U.S. efforts to safeguard American citizens abroad. Additionally, it mandates a report on $6 billion in unfrozen assets released to Iran during the prior administration, ensuring transparency and oversight.
“Iran takes Americans hostage and gets paid for it—that ends with this legislation” said Congressman Baumgartner. “We are sending a clear message: American lives are not for sale. The No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act ensures that hostage-takers and hostile governments like Iran will face consequences. I'm proud that both Republicans and Democrats are supporting this bill, standing with Congressman Moskowitz and me to say that we will no longer allow foreign adversaries to hold Americans hostage and escape without repercussions. It’s time to slam the door on this practice once and for all.”
“Foreign adversaries like Iran can’t be allowed to take Americans hostage and get away with it. My bipartisan No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act sends that message loud and clear,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “I applaud my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee for joining Congressman Baumgartner and me to advance this bill, and I encourage the rest of the House to pass it and ensure that bad actors, hostile governments, and terrorist groups will face action from the United States if they wrongfully detain one of our own.”
Read bill text here.