Ted Deutch: “I thank Ranking Member Engel and Chairman Royce for their support of this legislation, and I give special thanks to my…”

“I thank Ranking Member Engel and Chairman Royce for their support of this legislation, and I give special thanks to my colleague, Chairman McCaul, for his leadership in recognizing the need to take action. We must work together to stop the brutal Iranian regime's human rights abuses and demand the release of American hostages that Iran is using as pawns for political leverage. I am proud to partner with Mr. McCaul in this effort The Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act sends a clear message to the Iranian regime and to the rest of the world: this Congress, this country will not tolerate the flagrant disregard of the most basic of human rights. My colleagues have explained the merits of this bill, and I know it is difficult for many Americans to imagine, but we are here today to show our resolve in the face of really unbelievable circumstances. For my constituents, the family of Robert Levinson, this is a nightmare that they have lived for 11 years. Bob Levinson is the longest held American hostage in history. He disappeared in Iran on March 9, 2007. Imagine 11 years without your husband or your father. Imagine having grandchildren who have never had the chance to meet their grandfather. Imagine 11 anniversaries, dozens of family birthdays, and holidays that pass by without Bob, just an empty place where Bob should be sitting.…”