Mr. DODD. Mr. President, it has been almost a year since three Americans--Marc Gonsalves , Keith Stansell, and Thomas Howes--were taken hostage by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC. The presence of American hostages in Colombia is deeply troubling, and one can only imagine the struggles and trials that these three brave individuals have had to endure since their plane crashed in the Colombian jungle last year on February 13. I rise today to again call attention to their plight and urge the Bush administration and Colombian Government to do everything possible to gain their release.
There is no higher priority than finding a way to bring these three Americans home safely, and I know that all of our prayers remain with them and their families during these difficult times. For the families of Marc, Keith, and Tom, this past year has been a heart wrenching experience. I have a special interest in the fate of Marc Gonsalves , whose mother, Jo Rosano, is a Connecticut resident. Marc's father, George Gonsavales, is also a resident of our State.
At every opportunity, I have worked to bring about the release of these three Americans. Indeed, over the last 8 months whenever I have met with Colombian President Uribe or other Colombian officials, I have urged them to make every effort to gain their release. President Uribe indicated to me that the Colombian military continues every day to search for them and that these efforts will not cease until they are found.
In addition, during a hearing last fall of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I urged the now-serving United States Ambassador to Colombia, William Wood, to make their rescue his highest priority. He pledged to do so and has kept me informed of developments in this matter. I have also continually urged the Bush administration to provide all means of assistance, including technological assistance, to bring about the safe rescue of Marc, Keith, and Tom. It is my understanding that the administration continues to work with Colombian authorities to locate them.
Certainly, their rescue will not be easy. However, I have to believe that more can be done. This must be the highest of priorities. The airing last year of the videotape showing them in captivity only further highlights the importance of this effort.
The families of Marc, Keith, and Tom will find no rest until their sons, husbands, fathers, and brothers return home safely. I will be meeting with Jo Rosano tomorrow, when she, along with other family members of the hostages, come to Washington, DC on the anniversary of this tragic incident to urge United States policymakers not to forget their family members in captivity.
And I will tell her what I have said here today: that we must make every effort and we must leave no stone unturned in our search. As Americans, Marc, Keith, and Tom are also our sons--they are members of our extended American family. For my part, I pledge to continue to do everything possible to ensure their speedy release and safe return. I urge the Bush administration and Colombian Government to do the same. We must not rest until they are all home safely.