Foley foundation lauds legislation that aids relatives of Americans detained abroad

John and Diane Foley, who live in Rochester, view a picture of their son, Jim, at the May 4, 2021, dedication of the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center.. (Rochester Voice file photo)

WASHINGTON - The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation on Saturday welcomed the introduction of the bipartisan Supporting Americans Wrongfully or Unlawfully Detained Abroad Act of 2023 and lauded Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez, D-NJ, Ranking Member Jim Risch, R-ID, and Sens. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee for their support for families of Americans being held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.

The legislation follows recent consultations between members of Congress and James W. Foley Legacy Foundation leadership, and reflects key recommendations in the Foundation's September 2022 "Bringing Americans Home report.

"This legislation provides a vital lifeline for families that have suffered unimaginable tragedy," said Diane Foley, Founder and President of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. "No American family should risk financial ruin or bankruptcy while working to bring their loved ones home from captivity, or helping them recover from their ordeals. On behalf of all these families, the Foley Foundation urges Congress to swiftly pass this common-sense, bipartisan legislation and for President Biden to sign it as soon as possible."

If passed, the Supporting Americans Wrongfully or Unlawfully Detained Abroad Act of 2023 would address key gaps in current U.S. hostage and detainee policy, including by providing financial assistance for families traveling to Washington to advocate for their loved ones, similar to the 1984 Victims of Crime Act, and providing mental health support and social services for Americans returning home from unjust detention overseas.

James Foley, a freelance conflict journalist, was kidnapped in November 2012. He was tortured and starved until Aug. 19, 2014, when ISIS publicly beheaded him in Syria.