Shaheen, Graham Bipartisan Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of James Foley, Commemorating the 10 Year Anniversary of Brutal Murder by ISIS Passes Senate
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), ranking member on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, applauded the unanimous Senate passage of their bipartisan resolution to honor the life and legacy of American journalist James Wright Foley and commemorate the ten year anniversary of his horrific murder by Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists. The Senators’ resolution also recognizes the vital ongoing work of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation to advocate for the release of Americans taken hostage abroad.
“Ten years ago, James Foley, a journalist and Granite Stater, was horrifically and senselessly murdered by ISIS terrorists. His death should not overshadow his incredible life, and that’s why I’m glad the Senate passed this bipartisan resolution commemorating his life, legacy and dedication to reporting the truth,” said Shaheen. “In her son’s honor, Diane Foley established the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation and has carried on his memory by fighting for Americans wrongfully detained or taken hostage abroad. The Foundation’s work has helped change how the U.S. government responds to such cases. Thanks to Diane’s leadership and courage, so many Americans have been reunited with their families.”
“I’m very pleased this resolution remembering James Foley, an American journalist who was murdered by barbaric terrorists ten years ago, unanimously passed the Senate,” said Graham. “This resolution not only honors his life, but keeps us focused on other Americans wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. Senator Shaheen has been a great leader on this issue, and I appreciate all her hard work to recognize James Foley’s life and legacy.”
The text of the Senators’ resolution can be found HERE.
James Foley was an American journalist from New Hampshire who was abducted by ISIS while reporting as a freelance war correspondent during the Syrian Civil War in 2012. Following the confirmation of his death, Diane Foley wrote "We have never been prouder of our son Jim, he gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people." On September 2, 2021, Alexanda Amon Kotey pled guilty to four counts of hostage-taking that resulted in the death of Americans as well as other charges for his participation in Jim’s murder as well as the deaths of three other Americans: Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Layla Mueller. On April 14, 2022, El Shafee Elsheikh was found guilty of the same offenses and sentenced to life in prison.??
Shaheen has long supported and partnered with the James W. Foley Foundation on its effort to free Americans taken captive abroad. Earlier this year, Shaheen delivered a keynote address at the foundation’s annual Foley Freedom Awards dinner. In March, Shaheen announced that she secured $350,000 to digitize and preserve the archival collection and work of James Foley which will be accessible in person or online.?
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