House Passes Bipartisan Resolution Expressing Concern over the Detention of Austin Tice and Majd Kamalmaz in Syria

(Washington, D.C.) – On Thursday, December 3, 2020, Congressman Al Green released the following statement announcing the passage of H.Res. 17, expressing concern over the detention of Austin Tice and Majd Kamalmaz:   

“Eight years ago, in concert with Marc and Debra Tice, I embarked on a mission of mercy to bring their son, Austin Tice, home. Austin, a veteran Marine Corps Captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was detained at a checkpoint near Damascus, Syria, on August 14, 2012 while working in the country as a freelance journalist,” Congressman Al Green stated. “Austin is an Eagle Scout, college grad, law student, and award-winning journalist. He’s the eldest of seven children. He is an American, and it is our nation’s duty to ensure his safe return.” 

Congressman Green continued, “The valiant effort to ensure Austin’s return to the United States is a team effort. This has been and continues to be a bipartisan and bicameral endeavor. I have collaborated with Members of Congress and Senators on both sides of the aisle to work toward bringing Austin home. I have written to President Trump regarding the urgency to bring Austin home safely. This resolution, H.Res. 17, reiterates my ongoing concern for Austin and amplifies the call for the release of Dr. Majd Kamalmaz, another American detained in Syria. We cannot rest until Austin, Majd, and all missing Americans are located and safely return to the United States to their families.”

“The families of both Mr. Austin Tice and Dr. Majd Kamalmaz have called on American and international leaders to bring home their loved ones. It is our duty to do whatever we can to ensure that these and all other Americans held abroad are returned safely and as soon as possible,” said Congressman French Hill (R-AR). “I am proud and grateful for the work of many Americans and others across the globe to ensure their safe passage home and urge continued diligence. Our work will not be complete until all Americans are reunited with their families and loved ones.”

Austin’s parents, Marc and Debra Tice, released a statement on the passage of H. Res. 17, “Our family is profoundly grateful to our Congressman, Al Green, for his tireless, 24/7 work to bring Austin home. We also deeply appreciate his dedicated staff and many individual supporters whose involvement led to the passing of this resolution. Over these more than eight years, it has been a tremendous blessing to see the bipartisan, bicameral support across Capitol Hill on Austin’s behalf. It is especially encouraging since this resolution supports President Trump’s repeatedly expressed desire and commitment to Austin’s secure release and safe return. We earnestly believe we can have Austin home for the holidays.  H.Res.17 sends a clear message that the House of Representatives joins us in urging the President to continue the dialogue with the Syrian government and take the necessary action to bring Austin and Majd home.”

Congressman Green concluded, “I extend my sincere gratitude to Congressman Hill (R-AK) for his efforts to bring his constituent Dr. Kamalmaz home; the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its leaders, Chairman Engel (D-NY) and Ranking Member McCaul (R-TX); Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for bringing H.Res. 17 to the House Floor; the resolution’s 41 cosponsors for their support; and, most importantly, the Tice Family for their unwavering commitment to Austin’s safe release and return.”