Senators call on Biden to brief upper chamber on efforts to return Austin Tice from Syria
In a rare show of bipartisan unity, senators from both sides of the aisle have come together to urge President Biden to take action in securing the release of Austin Tice from Syria. Tice, a freelance journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012, has not been heard from since. The recent fall of the Assad regime has renewed hope for Tice’s return, and lawmakers are calling on the administration to brief them on efforts to secure his release.
The letter, signed by 34 senators including Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. Both President Biden and his national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, have affirmed that Tice’s return is a top priority, but lawmakers are seeking more details on the steps being taken to bring him home.
Multiple rewards systems have been put in place to incentivize information on Tice’s whereabouts, with the FBI offering up to $1 million and the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program offering $10 million. Efforts to connect with on-the-ground sources in Syria who may have information on Tice’s whereabouts have been renewed, with back-channel communications and outreach efforts being made.
The fall of the Assad regime has brought renewed hope for Tice’s release, as rebel groups have begun freeing prisoners held in Syria’s notorious prisons. The senators are urging the administration to seize this opportunity and launch an urgent effort to secure Tice’s release, emphasizing that he represents the best of our nation and deserves the full support of the government.
As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, lawmakers are committed to working with the administration to bring Tice home to his family. They are calling on the administration to utilize all available means to discourage the hostage-taking of American citizens and ensure that Tice is safely returned. The bipartisan push for Tice’s release highlights the importance of unity in addressing critical issues and working towards a common goal.
