January 30, 2024 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor tonight during a Special Order Hour, organized by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), that highlighted the urgent need to send unconditioned aid to Israel and bring home all those being held captive by the terrorist organization Hamas, including 19-year-old Itay Chen. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video: Image Click here for a link to the video. “Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as I have before, to speak up for a brave American: Itay Chen. “It’s been 115 days since Hamas took Itay hostage while he was serving in the IDF. “He’s only nineteen years of age. This Friday is his twentieth birthday. “Itay may be young, but I know from his dad Ruby that he’s already someone of great character, courage, and conviction, and compassion for others. Crucially, as his dad tells me, he’s New York tough. “I have no doubt that Itay has the strength, resilience, and determination to endure any hardship – no matter how grueling, no matter how long. That’s the type of person Itay is. But he should not have to. “He shouldn’t have to sit in Hamas’s covert caves for 115 days, awaiting rescue. He shouldn’t have to wonder whether he will see home again. He shouldn’t have to display the courage that I know he is showing this very moment. “Instead, Mr. Speaker, he ought to be at home right now watching tonight’s NBA game and rooting for the Lakers – much to his dad’s chagrin. He ought to be horsing around with his brothers, Roy and Alon. “He ought to be celebrating his birthday with them and their parents, Ruby and Hagit. Sadly, he’s not. “Behind every single face we see on these posters tonight are families and friends who have done everything possibly they can to bring their loved ones home. Indeed, Ruby has come to Capitol Hill almost every week since October 7. “Mr. Speaker, these families are doing everything they can, but their Congress is not. It’s been 102 days since President Biden requested emergency supplemental aid for Israel – as well as Ukraine. “For 102 days, this Congress has failed to deliver. “We are not powerless, but we are lacking in action. We are Members of Congress of the United States of America. We are privileged to be in a position where we can do more than say prayers and offer condolences, although that is important. “This Congress needs to take action to put Israel in the strongest position possible to bring these hostages home safely - every one of them - and to prevent this tragedy from ever occurring again. “For the sake of Itay, his family, and all of the other hostages and their families - we must act. We must show an ounce of the resolve they've displayed every moment this nightmare continues. Mr. Speaker, I'll keep coming to this Floor until we do. I will not stop until I see Itay in his family’s embrace – and all those hostages returned home safely. “Let us act as we can.”
