Somerset Times

(March 4, 2025) WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) has announced that Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty will attend President Trump’s 2025 Address to Congress as his guest. Each member of Congress is permitted one guest for the event, and Moriarty will be seated in the House Gallery during the speech.

Moriarty is the daughter of Robert Levinson, who was taken hostage in Iran on March 9, 2007. He was presumed to have died in captivity as informed by U.S. officials in March 2020. Her advocacy played a key role in creating the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-taking Accountability Act. This legislation was signed into law by President Trump as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. It provides tools and resources for bringing American nationals home from captivity and supporting their families.

Moriarty also advocated for designating March 9th as National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and establishing an official flag for this cause. These were included in the FY24 NDAA and signed into law. The flag is flown above government buildings on specific days to raise awareness.

Currently a non-resident fellow with New America's Future Security Program, Moriarty previously served on the Board of Directors of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation and now sits on its Advisory Board.

Congressman Kean expressed his honor at having Moriarty join him: “Sarah has devoted her life to being a tireless advocate for the families of American hostages... She represents the very best of America and New Jersey.”

Moriarty thanked Congressman Kean for inviting her: “I am deeply grateful for his... unwavering leadership in highlighting the plight of American hostages... My family has experienced firsthand the pain... Congressman Kean’s unrelenting commitment serves as a powerful reminder that bringing our fellow Americans home must remain a national priority.”