Todd Tiahrt: “Today marks the 326th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines.…”

“Today marks the 326th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans paid their dues on Tax Day this week, but Martin and Gracia have been paying the price for being Americans for over 10 months now. The Nation they love, however, is prevented from rescuing her children. Martin's parents, Paul and Oreta, are patriotic citizens. They pay their taxes without complaining and trust the government will carry out its responsibility to protect and defend our citizens, all this despite the continued captivity of their son and daughter-in-law. I must admit, as a patriot, as a taxpayer, as a representative of this government of the United States, I am frustrated. I call upon President Arroyo and the Philippine Congress to allow the American military to rescue our fellow Americans who are being held hostage. I request Secretary Powell, Secretary Rumsfeld, and President Bush, do not take 'no' for an answer. Let us rescue these Americans. I believe we have the resources to rescue Martin and Gracia, and it is our government's duty to do so. As always, I ask you to join me in prayer for Martin and Gracia and their loved ones, that this nightmare may soon be over.”