EXCLUSIVE – In a uncommon bipartisan push Wednesday morning, senators on each side of the aisle known as on President Biden to instruct his administration to temporary the higher chamber by Dec. 20 on efforts underway to free Austin Tice from Syria.
A letter, first obtained by Fox News Digital, was despatched to the Oval Office by Sens. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md, calling on Biden to “seize” the quickly altering scenario in Syria and safe Tice’s return.
“Given the latest fall of the Assad regime and the rapidly changing dynamics on the bottom in Syria, we expect this second presents a vital alternative to safe Austin’s launch and convey him house to his household,” the letter, signed by 34 senators, learn.
Freelance journalist Austin Tice went lacking in Syria in 2012 and has not been heard from since. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service by way of Getty Images)
COLLAPSE OF SYRIA’S ASSAD REGIME RENEWS US PUSH TO FIND AUSTIN TICE
The letter applauded feedback issued by each Biden and his nationwide safety advisor Jake Sullivan affirming that Tice’s return was a “high precedence” amid the insurgent takeover of Damascus, however lawmakers need to be briefed on detailed steps being taken to safe his launch.
Multiple rewards methods have been initiated by both the FBI, which is providing as much as $1 million, and the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program, which is providing up $10 million, for data pertaining to Tice’s whereabouts.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller instructed reporters Monday night, “There are intensive efforts underway by the United States to search out Austin Tice and convey him house to his household.”
The State Department’s Reward for Justice program is providing $10 million for data referring to finding Austin Tice. (The State Department’s Reward for Justice)
HERE IS WHO IS VYING FOR POWER IN SYRIA AFTER THE FALL OF BASHAR AL-ASSAD
Efforts to attach U.S. officers with on the bottom sources who could have data on the place Tice is have been renewed.
Sullivan instructed ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday that the U.S. was working with companions in Turkey by way of back-channel communications with individuals in Syria who could have data on which jail Tice was stored in, and the State Department confirmed that hostage-affairs envoy Roger Carstens has been partaking in an identical outreach method in Beirut.
The fall of the Assad regime on Sunday introduced renewed hope for the return of Tice, who continues to be assessed to be alive regardless of his 2012 seize in Damascus and unknown situation, as rebel groups in recent days have begun releasing males, girls and kids held in Syria’s notoriously deplorable prisons.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) arrives to a luncheon with Senate Republicans on the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 7, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“For greater than 12 years, Austin’s dad and mom have demanded our authorities carry him house, and given the evolving scenario in Syria, we urge you to grab this chance to launch an pressing effort to safe Austin’s launch,” the letter penned by Cronyn and Van Hollen harassed. “As a beloved son, brother, Eagle Scout, journalist, and veteran, Austin represents the very best our nation has to supply and deserves the complete and lively assist of our authorities to safe his launch.
“Congress is dedicated and greater than prepared to work with you to return him to his loving household. We encourage your administration to make the most of all obtainable means to additional discourage the hostage taking of American residents,” it added.
