Jon Tester: “I rise today to share a few words in honor of the 62nd birthday of Marc Hilliard Fogel, an American currently imprisoned…”

“I rise today to share a few words in honor of the 62nd birthday of Marc Hilliard Fogel, an American currently imprisoned in Russia. Marc is an American schoolteacher, a father, a husband, and an uncle. And in August of 2021, after living and teaching in Russia for 9 years, Marc was arrested and sentenced to 14 years in Russian prison. His imprisonment is unjust and unacceptable, plain and simple. I recently met with Marc's family, who currently reside in Montana, and I would like to honor his birthday today by taking the time to share some of what they shared with me as they work tirelessly to bring him home. Marc is a dedicated partner to his wife Jane, an inspiring dad to his two sons Sam and Ethan, and a caring son to his 94-year-old mother Malphine. He is a committed brother to his sisters Anne and Lisa and an uncle to Anne's three children. He is a sports fanatic, a fan of Steely Dan, an avid reader, a passionate teacher, and a world traveler. If you talk to his family, they will tell you about his infectious personality, his love for learning and teaching, and his dedication to community. He devoted his life to children, and was steadfast in guiding his students to learn, grow, and think independently. And today, he is marking his 62nd birthday not with his loved ones, but in Russian prison. As we approach the second anniversary of Marc's detention, it is our duty to use all the tools at our disposal to bring Marc home.…”