Gus Bilirakis: “The story of Austin Tice's disappearance and presumed imprisonment is tragic and frustrating. I met with Austin's loving…”

“The story of Austin Tice's disappearance and presumed imprisonment is tragic and frustrating. I met with Austin's loving parents, Marc and Debra, last year in my office, where they told me about the heartbreaking details of his abduction in 2012 at a checkpoint near Damascus on his way to Beirut. Hearing about Austin, I knew I had to do what I could to try and help, just like these other Members who have spoken earlier. So, with the Tices sitting in my office, I called upon the help of my Syrian- American friend and constituent, Paul Jallo. I put Mr. Jallo on speakerphone as we brainstormed with Marc and Debra as to how we could navigate the treachery of this situation on the ground in Syria. {time} 1645 Paul vowed to enlist the assistance of his family and friends living in Damascus to try and garner critical information as to Austin's current location and the identity of his captors. I cannot thank and commend Paul enough for his continued efforts to help the Tices in this ongoing endeavor to determine the status of Austin's well-being. We are frustrated, Mr. Speaker, that we still can't confirm with any degree of certainty Austin's captors, though we believe that Syrian President al-Assad's government has within its power and influence to see to Austin's release, despite denials of detaining him. This is unacceptable, Mr. Speaker.…”