Today, a group of U.S. Representatives introduced the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025. The bill aims to create a designation for countries or nonstate actors involved in the unlawful detention of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This initiative seeks to empower the Secretary of State and Congress to hold such entities accountable.
Rep. Hill emphasized the seriousness of wrongful detentions, stating, “When Americans are wrongfully detained abroad, it’s not just a personal tragedy — it’s a direct attack on the United States.” He highlighted that the bill provides tools for the State Department to address these issues while keeping Congress engaged.
Rep. Gottheimer expressed his support by saying, “As the United States faces increasing threats from foreign adversaries, protecting Americans abroad must remain a top priority.” He believes this bipartisan effort will help return detained Americans and prevent future incidents.
Rep. Kean Jr. shared a personal connection through his constituent Sarah Moriarty, whose father was taken hostage by Iran in 2007. He stated, “Hostile regimes like Iran continue to use innocent Americans as bargaining chips,” stressing that there should be consequences for such actions.
Rep. Lawler noted his role as co-lead on the bill and reiterated its purpose: “This legislation will provide the State Department with the necessary tools to exert pressure while ensuring that Congress maintains accountability.”
Rep. Moskowitz referred to Bob Levinson’s case as an example of wrongful detention by Iran, saying he supports this bipartisan bill because it puts real tools in place against such practices.
Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty praised past legislative efforts and supported this new initiative as a significant step forward in deterring wrongful detentions: “This important bipartisan legislation…is a giant leap forward in creating tangible deterrence.”
The Foley Foundation also backed the introduction of this bill, highlighting its potential impact on hostile regimes using American nationals for political leverage.
The proposed legislation would allow the Secretary of State to designate certain countries or nonstate actors as state sponsors of unlawful detention, imposing penalties similar to those used against state sponsors of terrorism. It includes provisions for congressional oversight and public accountability.
Countries potentially subject to designation under this new authority include China, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Nicaragua, Syria, Venezuela, and Belarus.
