June 12, 2024
FROM CONGRESSWOMAN CLAUDIA TENNEY: Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced her resolution, H. Res. 965, Calling for the immediate release of Ryan Corbett, a United States citizen, who was wrongfully detained by the Taliban on August 10, 2022, and condemning the wrongful detention of Americans by the Taliban passed the House of Representatives today.
This resolution, which has 72 cosponsors, passed the House of Representatives unanimously.
Tenney has advocated for Ryan Corbett’s well-being and release since she learned of his unlawful detainment. Ryan, a father, husband, and Western New Yorker, has been held without charge by the Taliban in Afghanistan since August 10, 2022. Ryan has been kept in a basement cell without regular access to a bathroom, sunlight, or medical care. Tenney worked to get Ryan officially designated as a wrongful detainee by the U.S. Department of State on October 10, 2023. Ryan’s health has rapidly deteriorated in recent months, reiterating the urgent need for his immediate release.
“NY-24 resident Ryan Corbett has been held without charge by the Taliban for over 600 days in a 9-by-9 foot cell in horrendous conditions, causing his health and mental wellbeing to deteriorate rapidly,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Since hearing of his case, I have worked closely with his family, raising awareness of this innocent American’s wrongful detention and calling for Ryan to be immediately released. I once again call on President Biden to bring Ryan home. By passing this resolution today, the House reaffirmed our commitment to securing Ryan’s release and bringing him home to his loving family.”
“I am beyond grateful that this Resolution passed so overwhelmingly today. It’s a testament to the strong bipartisan support that exists to do what it takes to bring Ryan home. Now it’s up to President Biden to take this momentum and turn it into action,” said Anna Corbett, wife of Ryan Corbett.
“I am proud to support this bipartisan resolution today that condemns the Taliban regime for its illegal imprisonment of Ryan and demands his immediate release. Anna has appeared before the Foreign Affairs Committee several times to discuss Ryan’s unjust imprisonment. She has bravely shared the horror story Ryan and his family are living through, day in and day out. A single day of unlawful detention is too long, and Ryan’s nearly two-year captivity must be resolved,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10).
“Ryan Corbett has been wrongfully detained by the Taliban for nearly two years, and we must do everything in our power to secure his safe and immediate return to his family. This resolution signifies our unyielding commitment to working across the aisle to bring Ryan home where he belongs. I’m grateful to Representative Tenney for her leadership, and I look forward to our continued work together,” said Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25).
