Political Quotes

“This week marks the 1-year anniversary of three American hikers being detained in Iran. Joshua Fattal, Shane Bauer, and Sarah Shourd were visiting a mountainous region in northern Iraq and innocently strayed across the unmarked frontier into Iran. The Iranian Government locked them up, accusing them of espionage--a baseless accusation. Last fall, Senator Arlen Specter and I championed a resolution calling on Iran to release the hikers. I have met with all three mothers and stayed in touch with Josh's mother, Laura, who lives in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. This Saturday the families of the hikers will gather at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to hold vigil for Josh, Shane, and Sarah. I am deeply taken by the steadfast determination and spirit of the families as they advocate for their children's health, safety, and release. The hikers have been detained far too long, and Iran should demonstrate compassion and release them back to their families here in the United States. I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging and sympathizing with these three young Americans and their families and calling on the Government of Iran to release them now.”