Representatives Tom Kean Jr., French Hill, Mike Lawler, Josh Gottheimer, and Jared Moskowitz have introduced the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation aims to address the wrongful detention of American citizens or permanent residents abroad by creating a designation for countries or nonstate actors involved in such activities. The bill empowers the Secretary of State and Congress to hold these entities accountable.
Congressman Kean highlighted the personal impact of wrongful detention through the story of his constituent, Sarah Moriarty, whose father was taken hostage by Iran in 2007. He stated that “hostile regimes like Iran continue to use innocent Americans as bargaining chips,” emphasizing that the act will ensure consequences for such behavior.
Congressman Hill remarked on the broader implications of wrongful detentions as attacks on the United States, noting that “those who wrongfully detain Americans must know that there will be real consequences.” He described the bill as a tool for holding bad actors accountable while involving Congress in oversight.
Co-lead Congressman Lawler expressed pride in joining efforts to protect Americans held hostage by rogue nations. He emphasized that “American families deserve nothing less” than legislative action to exert pressure on those responsible.
Congressman Gottheimer underscored the importance of protecting Americans abroad amidst increasing threats from foreign adversaries. He stated that this bipartisan bill is essential for bringing home wrongfully detained Americans and preventing future incidents.
Congressman Moskowitz referenced his constituent Bob Levinson’s unjust detention by Iran as an example of why such legislation is necessary. He asserted that bad actors cannot detain Americans without facing accountability.
Sarah Moriarty, Co-Founder of R. A. Levinson & Associates and Fellow at New America Future Security Program, praised past improvements in handling hostage cases but called this new legislation a “giant leap forward” in deterrence against wrongful detentions.
The proposed legislation allows for designating countries or nonstate actors as state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention, similar to existing terrorism designations. It also provides congressional oversight with mechanisms for approving or terminating these designations through joint resolutions.
Countries under consideration for designation include China, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Nicaragua, Syria, Venezuela, and Belarus.
