Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On The Introduction Of A New Resolution Calling For The Immediate And Unconditional Release Of New Yorker Ryan Corbett From Unjust Detention By The Taliban
Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor on the Taliban detention of Ryan Corbett for more than 600 days and announced he is introducing a resolution with Leader McConnell calling for his immediate and unconditional release. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:
It has sadly been over 600 days since Ryan Corbett, a New York native, has been unjustly detained by the Taliban. Ryan travelled there to renew his visa and pay the local staff of his non-profit when he was taken without cause, without explanation, without any semblance of due process.
Later this afternoon, I’ll meet with the Corbett family to talk about our efforts to bring Ryan home.
His wife, Anna, and their three children have been so brave. I’ve met them already a few times, but they’ve been brave through this tragic situation, and I am in constant awe of their strength and resolve.
Today, I am introducing a resolution alongside Leader McConnell calling for Ryan’s immediate and unconditional release. I urge the Senate to pass this resolution before Ryan’s birthday, which is April the 13th.
Throughout this process I have worked closely with the Corbett family, the White House, the State Department, and other high-ranking officials to make sure that Ryan’s safe return remains a top priority. We made progress last September when Ryan was designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department, giving his case a higher diplomatic priority. But we are still working.
Anna has spoken with Ryan a few times, and he’s been reportedly held in terrible conditions, which has caused his health to deteriorate rapidly. So, time is of the essence to get him back.
As long as Ryan is held by the Taliban, I will never stop fighting to bring him back home and reunite him with Anna, his children, his family as quickly as possible. I want to thank Leader McConnell for joining me in this resolution and everyone on both sides who have supported this resolution.
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