USMC Sergeant Held in Mexico Prison Since March

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, announced that the Subcommittee will convene a hearing to discuss Mexico’s continued detention of Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi, who is currently being held in El Hongo II prison in Tecate, Mexico following his arrest in March.  The hearing, entitled, “Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi:  Our Marine in Mexican Custody,” will take place on Wednesday, October 1 at 10am in 2172 Rayburn House Office Building.
 
Chairman Royce on the hearing:  “We should never forget the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made.  U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi’s combat-related PTSD is a life-threatening condition he acquired in defense of his country while serving on the battlefields of Afghanistan, and he needs to return to the United States for specific and urgent treatment.    I have maintained my respect for Mexico’s laws and sovereignty throughout, but since visiting Sgt. Tahmooressi at his prison in Mexico, I have become more committed than ever to ensuring his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.  Sgt. Tahmooressi is an American hero, whose wrong turn at the Mexican border has had the devastating effect of delaying his much-needed PTSD treatment for too  long.”
 
Chairman Salmon on the hearing:  “As Congress begins to contemplate once again committing our nation's servicemen and women to the fight against terrorism, it is incumbent on us to stand by our heroes when they return home.  As a direct result of his honorable service in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi now suffers from combat related PTSD.  Tragically, instead of receiving the treatment he needs, he is being held in a Mexican prison.  As a Member of Congress it is my obligation and duty to protect heroes like Andrew who have suffered the ravages of war in service to our nation.” said Rep. Salmon. “I'm convening this hearing to honor his service and work to ensure his immediate release so that he can receive the treatment he needs.”
 
What:
Hearing:  Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi:  Our Marine in Mexican Custody
 
When:
10 am on Wednesday, October 1
 
Where:
2172 Rayburn House Office Building
 
Witnesses:
Mrs. Jill Tahmooressi
Mother of Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi

Lieutenant Commander Montel B. Williams, USN, Retired  
Veterans Advocate

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