On the recordJune 15, 2015
I thank my friend. Simple point, Congress, today, will speak with one voice and say to the Iranian people, say to the world, that these Americans--this resolution will say, with absolute clarity, that if Iran expects to be treated as a member of the international community, they will unilaterally release these Americans. It would advance their cause, presumably, of joining the global community. It would send a strong message to the rest of the world and to the United States and to this Congress that they can and should be taken seriously, but it is very difficult to imagine doing that if they continue to hold Amir Hekmati and the other Americans they hold. I just want to reiterate my gratitude to Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel and the whole committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the whole House for their support of this. The families of these individuals, I know, appreciate it very deeply, and I do as well.
