A Michigan Congresswoman is praising provisions in the latest Defense Authorization Act passed by the U.S. House, that she says will help those wrongfully detained in other countries.
Haley Stevens co-chairs a House task force on hostages.
She says the new Defense plan includes funding to aid families who advocate for the release of detainees, like Michigan native Paul Whelan.
He was freed this summer after being imprisoned by Russia on bogus espionage charges:
“Elizabeth Whelan, Paul’s sister, spent over $100,000 over six years traveling, coordinating with the government, endless hours. And these are ways in which we need to make Americans and American families whole.”
Stevens says the Defense Act improves communication between government agencies involved in hostage negotiations.
She says it also adds two million dollars for sanctions against nations that use U-S citizens as political bargaining chips.
