Washington, DC – Congressman Charles Rangel’s resolution, H. Res 376 - Calling for Repatriation of POW/MIAs and Abductees in North Korea, was unanimously approved by the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific today, November 30, 2011.  

Garnering full bipartisan support, the resolution calls upon the U.S. government to continue search and recovery operations for remains of 8,000 American Soldiers in North Korea.  It also calls for repatriation of the 100,000 South Korean civilians abducted during the Korean War.

“Not a day goes by that I am not thankful that I was able to return home after my service in Korea,” Rangel said. "Sadly, thousands of American soldiers and South Koreans have not made it back for 60 years.  I hope this resolution could bring some closure to their families and friends.” 

Before voting to approve the resolution, Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) and Rep. Edward Royce (R-CA) praised Rangel for his service in the Korean War.  Rangel was award the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his heroism during the war. 

 “This resolution has been sponsored, introduced, and authored by a true American hero and my dear friend, the Honorable Charles Rangel from New York, and I'm very proud to be an original co-sponsor,” said Faleomavaega. "I know this legislation is near and dear to Congressman Rangel's heart as was the resolution he introduced last year to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. Last year's resolution which was passed by Congress and signed by the President. It should have borne Charlie Rangel's name, and to me it always will be."

Added Royce: "Charlie Rangel is a quintessential American who has the quintessential American sense of humor. He documented his role in the Korean War in his book, "And I Haven't Had A Bad Day Since." Royce then reiterated the significance of the resolution to the veterans of the Korean War, often known as The Forgotten War.

Of the approximately 83,000 Americans missing from all conflicts, more than 7,900 are from the Korean War.  5,500 of these Americans are believed to be missing in North Korea.  The U.S. halted operations to search for POW/MIA Americans missing in North Korea in 2005 due to increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

“America can never forget our obligations to those who have bravely served our Nation, especially our comrades who were left behind,” said Rangel. “I am honored that so many of my Colleagues from both sides of the floor have joined me in fighting for our lost heroes”

The resolution also calls for the repatriation of South Korean civilians who were forcibly taken into North Korea during the Korean War.  The Korean War Abductees’ Family Union continues to fight for repatriation of the tens of thousands of South Koreans missing in North Korea The New York Times recently reported on the union, whose represents over 700 families, and its struggle to recover their loved ones.

“This is not about politics,” said Rangel. “It is a moral and humanitarian matter.   It is about easing the pain of the families searching for acknowledgement, truth and answers.”

H. Res 376 was introduced by Rangel on July 27, 2011, National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.  It has since gained over 56 bipartisan co-sponsors.  It will now be presented to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, whose Chairwoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) has been fully supportive and instrumental in pushing it through Committee.  

Many organizations have publicly supported the passing of Rangel’s resolution, including: the Korean War Veterans Association, Coalition of Families of Korean & Cold War POW/MIA’s, Korean War  POW Affairs, the International Korean War Memorial Foundation, South Korean NGO’s and the Korean War Abductees’ Family union.