Elton Gallegly: “on January 31, 1993, armed Colombian guerrillas from the FARC organization crossed the border between Colombia and…”

“on January 31, 1993, armed Colombian guerrillas from the FARC organization crossed the border between Colombia and Panama and kidnapped three American missionaries of the New Tribes Mission. These innocent American citizens were then taken back into Colombia and held for millions of dollars of ransom. Since that day almost 6 years ago, the fate of Rick Tenenoff, David Mankins, and Mark Rich remains unknown. Their families wait anxiously every day for some news of their loved ones. I want to applaud the FARC for their recent release of U.S. businessman, Donald Lee Cary who they held captive for more than five months, but I want to express my disappointment with the FARC for their silence on the issue of the New Tribes missionaries. The FARC guerrillas have chosen not to provide any information on the whereabouts of these missionaries. They won't even say whether they are still alive or not. I want to commend our colleague, Roy Blunt for introducing H. Con. Res. 277 asking the Colombian guerrillas to release these American citizens or to provide some information as to their fate. For the families, this is the least that can be done. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and I call on the FARC to release whatever information they have about these citizens.”