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Freeing Americans Detained Abroad Act

2/1/2024, 8:30 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4478

Bill 118 hr 4478, also known as the Freeing Americans Detained Abroad Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to provide assistance to American citizens who are detained or imprisoned in foreign countries.

The bill outlines several key provisions to achieve this goal. Firstly, it requires the Secretary of State to establish a task force dedicated to assisting Americans detained abroad. This task force would be responsible for coordinating efforts between various government agencies and providing support to the families of those detained.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State must provide regular updates to Congress on the status of American citizens detained abroad. This includes information on the number of Americans detained, the countries they are detained in, and any efforts being made to secure their release. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to provide financial assistance to the families of Americans detained abroad. This assistance can be used for legal fees, travel expenses, or other costs associated with securing the release of their loved ones. Overall, the Freeing Americans Detained Abroad Act aims to ensure that American citizens who find themselves in difficult situations overseas receive the support and assistance they need to secure their release and return home safely.

Congressional Summary of HR 4478

Freeing Americans Detained Abroad Act

This bill requires the Department of State to dedicate resources to assist U.S. citizens detained or kidnapped overseas. The State Department must

  • display, on a public website, a list of resources (including legal services offered pro bono or with payment) that U.S. citizens detained or kidnapped overseas may be eligible to receive;
  • train all Foreign Service officers posted overseas on identifying and assisting detained and arbitrarily detained U.S. citizens; and
  • designate at least one Foreign Service officer at each overseas diplomatic or consular post as a hostage affairs officer.

Current Status of Bill HR 4478

Bill HR 4478 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 6, 2023. Bill HR 4478 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on July 6, 2023.  Bill HR 4478's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. as of July 6, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4478

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
10
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
8
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4478

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4478

To facilitate access to existing resources with respect to United States citizens arbitrarily detained or kidnapped overseas, and for other purposes.
Freeing Americans Detained Abroad Act
Freeing Americans Detained Abroad Act

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