Joni Ernst: “these are the faces of the six Americans who have been at the mercy of Iran-backed Hamas for over 100 days. They are…”

“these are the faces of the six Americans who have been at the mercy of Iran-backed Hamas for over 100 days. They are brothers, sons, husbands, fathers, and grandfathers. They range in age from 18 to 62. Their families have been sick with worry. They have been sick with fear day after day, not knowing whether their loved ones are even alive. As they cry out for answers and action, the families have yet once again returned to Congress, looking for hope and looking for leadership. These requests should not go unanswered. During Hamas's October 7 terrorist assault on Israel, I was in the Middle East leading a bicameral, bipartisan delegation to bring a message of peace and optimism for further normalization in the region. But Hamas shattered this dream for millions in the region and beyond. We woke up to the terrible news on October 7, knowing that the world was altered and plans had changed. The delegation unanimously agreed that we needed to go into Israel immediately, as the first group on the ground to stand with our ally in the face of this devastation. In Israel, we met with families in anguish after Hamas had taken our citizens--American citizens--hostage and had killed over 30 Americans in the initial assault. Since then, I have remained in constant contact with these hostage families. I heard their calls on behalf of their loved ones: Bring them home. Bring them home now. The response has only been words.…”