NEW HAMPSHIRE AND FLORIDA SENATORS TO INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION HONORING LIVES OF SLAIN AMERICAN JOURNALISTS, CONDEMNING ISIS

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) will introduce a bipartisan resolution in the Senate to honor the lives of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and condemn the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) terrorist organization that brutally killed them. The resolution recognizes the significant contributions Foley and Sotloff made “through their courageous reporting of events in Libya, Syria and elsewhere,” and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“James Foley and Steven Sotloff valiantly dedicated their lives to reporting stories around the world and represented the best of their profession,” Senator Shaheen said. “James and Steven’s friends and loved ones have endured unimaginable pain and anxiety, and we join them in mourning and remembering these brave men. ISIS’ brutal murder of these two men are appalling acts of terrorism that cannot go unanswered. ISIS must be stopped, and we as a nation must lead an international effort to end the threat they pose to American citizens, our national security and people around the world.”

“I join all Americans in mourning the deaths of James Foley and Steven Sotloff and expressing our deep condolences to their families,” Senator Ayotte said. “James and Steven bravely risked their lives to help the world better understand the tragedy unfolding in Syria. The barbaric murder of these two Americans must not go unanswered. ISIS represents a grave threat to people of all faiths and nationalities who stand against their evil ideology of death and oppression. That is why the United States should lead an international coalition dedicated to the defeat of ISIS without delay.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of James Foley and Steven Sotloff,” Senator Nelson said. “Steven’s family are my constituents and I've been in touch with them through their representative throughout this horrific ordeal. The United States needs to immediately put together a coalition and go after this group. We need to take the fight directly to them, not only in Iraq but in Syria as well.”  

“It’s important that Americans never forget James Foley and Steven Sotloff, the lives they led as successful journalists, and how loved they were by their families and friends,” Senator Rubio said. “The U.S. Senate should honor these brave men by approving this resolution as soon as Congress reconvenes next week. The American people should also never lose sight of the fact that these awful executions are only the beginning of ISIL’s plans to sow evil across the Middle East and the world, unless we stop them.”

Shaheen, Ayotte, Nelson and Rubio will introduce the bipartisan resolution early next week.