I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today, as I have before, to speak up for a brave American, Itay Chen. It has been 115 days since Hamas took Itay hostage while he was serving in the IDF. He is only 19 years of age. This Friday is his 20th birthday. Itay may be young, but I know from his dad, Ruby, that he is already someone of great character, courage, conviction and compassion for others. Crucially, as his dad tells me, he is New York tough. I have no doubt that Itay has the strength, resilience, and determination to endure any hardship, no matter how grueling, no matter how long. That is the type of person Itay is, but he should not have to. {time} 1715 He shouldn't have to sit in a Hamas covert cave for 115 days awaiting rescue. He shouldn't have to wonder whether he will see home again. He shouldn't have to display the courage that I know he is showing this very moment. Instead, Mr. Speaker, he ought to be at home right now watching tonight's NBA game and rooting for the Lakers, much to his dad's chagrin. He ought to be horsing around with his brothers, Roy and Alon. He ought to be celebrating his birthday with them and their parents, Ruby and Hagit. Sadly, he is not. Behind every single face we see on these posters tonight are families and friends who have done everything they possibly can to bring their loved ones home. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, Ruby has come to Capitol Hill almost every week since October 7. Mr.…
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