Wasserman Schultz Statement on H. Res. 148 Calling on the Government of Iran to Fulfill its Commitments in the Case of Robert Levinson

Washington, DC, February 29, 2016
Today, the House passed H.Res. 148, calling on the government of Iran to fulfill their previous promises of assistance in finding Robert Levinson, a South Florida native and the longest-held civilian American citizen. I was pleased to join my South Florida colleagues Ted Deutch, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart as an original cosponsor of this resolution; we must hold Iran's leaders accountable to every commitment they make, particularly when American lives are on the line.

Wasserman Schultz Statement on H. Res. 148 Calling on the Government of Iran to Fulfill its Commitments in the Case of Robert Levinson

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement tonight after H.Res. 148 passed the U.S. House of Representatives:

“Today, the House passed H.Res. 148, calling on the government of Iran to fulfill their previous promises of assistance in finding Robert Levinson, a South Florida native and the longest-held civilian American citizen. I was pleased to join my South Florida colleagues Ted Deutch, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart as an original cosponsor of this resolution; we must hold Iran’s leaders accountable to every commitment they make, particularly when American lives are on the line.

“As I mentioned directly to Secretary of State John Kerry last week, this month marks nine years of suffering and uncertainty for Bob’s family and friends. While I joined my colleagues and the nation in welcoming home four Americans who had also been detained in Iran earlier this year, I remain focused on ensuring Iran cooperates with ongoing efforts of the United States in Bob’s case.

“Last week, Iran’s citizens voted for a new Parliament and Assembly of Experts. I am under no illusions that this new parliament will produce significantly different policies from the government. However, I would urge these new legislators to heed the sentiments of this Resolution, and, as a meaningful humanitarian gesture regardless of any other longstanding serious disagreements, intensify cooperation with the United States.

“My heart continues to go out to Bob’s family and friends.”

Contact:

Sean Bartlett, Sean.Bartlett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931

Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931